Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Embark on a gaming odyssey with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, and the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro line-up, offers unmatched value and delivers an exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage. Illuminate your gaming setup with vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha stands out as one of our favorite expressions of a tactile switch. Typing on these switches provides a comfortable, snappy tactility that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, expect a distinctly clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Matcha, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice provides similar benefits for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be effectively showcased. Thus, whether using the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Matcha, users can expect a similar sound and visual experience due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when examining the bottom housing, we find a notable difference between these switches. The G Pro 3.0 Silver employs a nylon bottom housing, while the Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. This distinction leads to variations in the sound and feel experienced while typing. With the G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its polycarbonate top housing. As a result, the typing experience with these switches will differ, with the impact of the bottom housing more apparent in the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the top housing's influence more noticeable in the Matcha.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Matcha share a similar polycarbonate top housing, offering comparable sound and visual effects. However, their bottom housings diverge, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Matcha using a polycarbonate bottom housing. These differences translate into distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances sharpness and crispness. Therefore, users can choose between these switches based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light forces. The G Pro 3.0 Silver requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Matcha's 40 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force for the G Pro 3.0 Silver is 50 grams, while the Matcha requires 45 grams to bottom out. This indicates that both switches offer a light and easy typing experience, suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. Whether it be for extended periods of typing or lengthy gaming sessions, the light actuation and bottom out forces of these switches provide effortless keystrokes. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter typing feel would find similar results with either option.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance traveled. The G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Matcha tactile switch have equal travel distances, ensuring that users will get consistent results in terms of the distance they feel when pressing down on keys.
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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is best described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. These switches offer a deep and rich sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The low-pitched sound adds a mellow and soothing element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound of the Matcha switch can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. It is important to note that the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you are looking for a deep and rich sound, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be the better choice, while those who prefer a sharp and snappy sound may opt for the Matcha switch.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is referred to as buttery and creamy. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Creamy switches, on the other hand, are known for their smooth and buttery typing experience. These switches may have lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials that contribute to the silky sensation when typing. You can expect your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, melting into each keystroke. The KTT Matcha switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, imparting a mild tactile experience. Snappy switches are highly responsive, providing a typing experience that feels alive. Accented switches offer a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Feathery switches are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. Subtle switches have a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making them suitable for shared spaces. Overall, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be a great choice. However, if you want a more responsive and tactile typing experience, the Matcha switch would be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, offering a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. It also has a buttery and creamy feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Matcha switch produces a clacky sound, characterized by its sharp and snappy nature. It has a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel, offering a responsive and tactile typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your typing or gaming experience. If you are looking for similar sound and feel, you can consider the Matcha switch for a snappy and crispy sound with a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are a gaming enthusiast looking for a budget-friendly option that provides lightning-fast responsiveness and a competitive advantage, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a light and effortless typing experience. They are best known for their shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, vibrant RGB lighting, and medium-high pitch that adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. Moreover, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches produce a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound that enhances the overall gaming experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and a tactile typing experience, the KTT Matcha switches are a great option. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a light and feathery typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. The Matcha switches are best known for their comfortable and snappy tactility, as well as a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. They produce a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Matcha switches incorporate descriptions such as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, highlighting their versatility in meeting the preferences of different users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and KTT Matcha switches depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value gaming performance, responsiveness, and a bass-heavy auditory experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are the way to go. However, if you prioritize comfort, tactile feedback, and a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha switches offer an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience. Consider your priorities and select the switch that aligns best with your preferences for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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