Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introduced as two exceptional linear switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Mint offer impressive features for avid typists and gamers alike. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, renowned for its unbeatable value, belongs to Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro line-up. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, granting you a competitive edge during gaming sessions. Coupled with vibrant RGB lighting and an exhilarating medium-high pitch, these switches offer an immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the KTT Mint presents a satisfyingly smooth linear switch, providing a light and fleeting typing sensation. Known for its poppy thockiness, thanks to its long pole stem, this switch offers a unique tactile feedback. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in gaming performance, the Mint focuses on delivering a polished typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the specific attributes of each switch to discern the ideal choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Mint have similar housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Mint will provide a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal due to their polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon helps absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Mint will offer a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to their nylon bottom housing.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall switch experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Mint may differ slightly. The bottom housing, made of nylon, will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing, made of polycarbonate, will play a more significant role in the resulting sound. However, both switches will still provide a satisfying typing experience due to the combination of their different housing materials.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Mint have some differences in their housing materials, they also share similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Additionally, their nylon bottom housing materials create a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Although the distribution of sound characteristics may vary slightly between the top and bottom housing, both switches will offer a satisfying typing experience overall.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered relatively light. On the other hand, the Mint switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be a suitable choice as it allows for a smooth and effortless keystroke. This would be beneficial for activities that require prolonged typing, such as long work sessions or extended gaming sessions.
On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Mint switch due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. This adds an additional level of resistance, providing a stronger push feel while typing and a more tactile experience.
Overall, both switches offer a similar actuation force, ensuring consistent and responsive keystrokes. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver catering to those who prefer a lighter typing experience and the Mint switch accommodating those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. In this case, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring similar results when typing or gaming.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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 linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched qualities. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The thocky sound they produce is deep, rich, and satisfying, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is also described as having a neutral sound, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Overall, both switches provide pleasing auditory experiences with their unique sound signatures, but the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a deeper and bassier sound, while the Mint has a more mellow and neutral tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is often described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The creamy sensation is similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as mild and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone. The polished finish of the Mint switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide pleasant tactile feedback, but the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a more pronounced and luxurious typing experience, while the Mint provides a mild and polished feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer distinctive subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a bass-heavy and low-pitched sound profile with a thocky sound, while the Mint offers a mellow and neutral sound. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver delivers a buttery and creamy typing experience, while the Mint provides a mild and polished feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound and typing sensation. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. With either switch, you can expect a high-quality and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're a gamer looking for an exceptional gaming experience with lightning-fast responsiveness, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer unmatched value and ultimate gaming performance without breaking the bank. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches also provide vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for an exhilarating auditory element during your gaming sessions. In terms of sound, these switches are described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky, offering a deeper and richer sound profile. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches provide a buttery and creamy typing experience, with seamless, effortless, and uniform keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and fleeting typing feel, the KTT Mint linear switch with a bottom out force of 53 grams would be a great choice. The Mint switches are known for their satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness, delivering a pleasant typing experience. In terms of sound, they are described as low-pitched and neutral, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Mint switches also provide a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Mint linear switch depends on your specific preferences and use cases. Consider factors such as gaming performance, sound profile, and typing feel to make an informed decision.
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