Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Orange switches. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro line-up, is highly regarded for its exceptional gaming performance. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, these linear switches offer lightning-fast responsiveness, providing a competitive advantage in gaming. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for an exhilarating auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches are known for their bouncy and frictionless typing experience. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these linear switches provide a slick and smooth feel. They also boast a low-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch suited to your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Orange switches, it is clear that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This means that they will both offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness that leads to clearer and more resonant sounds. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches would be suitable choices.
However, the distinction between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Orange will contribute to the overall sound profile, offering a sharper and crisper tone.
When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable in terms of both sound and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and the tactile feeling when pressing a key. On the other hand, the top housing, which is the same for both switches, will predominantly affect the sound that is produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top housing may provide similar results between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Orange, the bottom housing will be the differentiating factor in terms of 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 Orange linear switch, there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. While the actuation force of both switches is quite similar, with just a 1-gram difference, the bottom out force for the KTT Orange switch is slightly higher by 3 grams. This means that typing on the KTT Orange switch may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch. However, both switches offer relatively lightweight forces, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. So, if someone prefers a lighter feel, either switch would provide similar results, but for those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel, the KTT Orange switch may be the better choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press and a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Orange switch's 3.5mm travel distance is more shallow, resulting in a faster response time, which is preferred by gamers. If you prioritize quicker responsiveness, the Orange switch would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more solid key press, the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. It's important to consider personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard when choosing between these two switches.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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, low-pitched, and thocky qualities. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, reminiscent of the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The low-pitched nature of the switches adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to the sound. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches are also described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, but the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches may offer a deeper and more resonant sound due to their bassy and thocky characteristics. It's important to note that sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the creamy aspect implies a silky sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. The Orange switches, on the other hand, are known for their bouncy and frictionless qualities. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Furthermore, the frictionless nature of the Orange switches ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both options offer a pleasant typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches providing a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the Orange switches offer a bouncy and frictionless feel.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches and the KTT Orange switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches provide a bassy and thocky sound profile, alongside a buttery and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switches offer a low-pitched sound and a bouncy, frictionless feel when typing. Depending on personal preferences, one may prefer the deeper and richer sound of the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches or the bass-heavy and mellow tone of the Orange switches. Similarly, the choice between a smooth and fluid keystroke or a bouncy and frictionless feel will depend on individual preferences. Consider these factors along with other aspects such as the desired gaming or typing experience, and the overall compatibility with your keyboard setup when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides lightning-fast responsiveness and a competitive advantage in gaming, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the way to go. With its shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting, this switch offers unmatched value for gamers. Additionally, its low-pitched and bassy sound profile adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that is slick, frictionless, and bouncy, the KTT Orange linear switch is a great choice. With its bouncy and frictionless feel, it provides a lively and spring-like feedback sensation. Moreover, the Orange switch's low-pitch sound profile adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to your typing experience.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the type of experience you are looking for. Whether you prioritize gaming performance or a smooth typing experience, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Orange switches have their unique qualities to offer.
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