Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the TKC Kiwi are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features catered to specific preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, is widely recognized for its exceptional gaming performance. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving gamers a competitive edge. The vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, creates an eye-catching aesthetic, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory aspect to gaming sessions. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch, is a perfect choice for those seeking an enhanced typing experience. These switches feature a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy feel. Additionally, the switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the TKC Kiwi have different housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing provides a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks, offering a unique typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Silver uses a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Kiwi employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also contributes to its bright sound signature. This material is relatively new in switch housing, offering resonant clacks when typing. Although their materials differ, both switches provide unique sound profiles due to the properties of their respective bottom housings.
While the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Kiwi have contrasting housing materials, each housing brings its distinct qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's qualities will be more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer an enhanced typing experience with their individual sound profiles, providing users with a range of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver boasts a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, which means it requires a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Kiwi has a marginally lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it similarly easy to initiate a keystroke.
However, the disparity becomes apparent when examining the bottom out forces of the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly stronger push to press the key all the way down. On the other hand, the Kiwi offers a noticeably heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that typing on the Kiwi switch will provide a more substantial and pronounced typing experience.
Considering the weight of a switch is crucial as it directly impacts the typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for either the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Kiwi, as both switches have relatively low actuation forces. These lighter options are ideal for individuals who desire extended typing sessions or engage in prolonged gaming sessions.
Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more robust and substantial typing feel may gravitate towards switches with heavier forces. In this case, the TKC Kiwi would be the preferred choice, given its medium-heavy bottom out force. The heavier force required to press the keys all the way down on the Kiwi adds a satisfying tactile feedback, resulting in a more gratifying typing experience.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. While both switches have comparable actuation forces, the Kiwi distinguishes itself with a heavier bottom out force, providing users with a more robust and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and specific typing requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when pressing down on a key, as the distance traveled from top to bottom will be identical for both. Therefore, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Kiwi switch, you can expect to feel a consistent 4 mm of travel distance when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling a thud or knock. This provides a satisfying and immersive auditory experience while gaming. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Although they don't provide as detailed sound descriptors as the G Pro 3.0 Silver, they still offer a pleasing typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer similar low-pitched sound profiles, ensuring a similar auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The TKC Kiwi switches, on the other hand, display characteristics such as being stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches have a mild tactile feel with some pre- or post-travel, providing a comfortable typing experience. Accented switches offer a medium amount of tactility that is prominent without being overwhelming or subtle. Polished switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the specific feel provided by the TKC Kiwi switches is not explicitly described as buttery or creamy, it can be inferred that they offer a similarly smooth typing experience. Both switches prioritize providing a pleasant tactile sensation during typing, ensuring a comfortable feel for the user.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches and TKC Kiwi switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches provide a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding an exhilarating auditory element to gaming sessions. These switches also offer a buttery and creamy feel, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches offer a low-pitched sound profile and a combination of stepped, accented, and polished feel characteristics. While the specific sound and feel descriptors differ between the two switches, both options prioritize delivering an enjoyable typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a smooth typing experience, you can expect similar results from both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and TKC Kiwi switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers lightning-fast responsiveness and enhanced gaming experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a light and effortless typing experience. They are best known for their vibrant RGB lighting, frosted light diffuser, and medium-high pitch that adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. Furthermore, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a deep and satisfying thocky sound profile during key presses.
On the other hand, if your focus is on enhancing your typing experience with a tactile switch that has a medium to medium-strong bump, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is the perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches provide a slightly heavier feel compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. They also have a low-pitched sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch depends on your specific preferences and needs. Consider whether you prioritize gaming performance and responsiveness or a satisfying typing experience with a tactile bump. Remember to also take into account the sound profile and bottom out force that suits your preferences. With these considerations in mind, you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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