Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Semi Mute. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, is a fantastic choice for gamers who want unparalleled value and an exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches offer lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive edge. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch add an exhilarating visual and auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Semi Mute, also a linear switch, is perfect for those who prioritize a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing. Despite its name, these switches provide completely silent operation thanks to advanced dampening technology, making them ideal for late-night typing sessions. With a comfortable and gratifying typing feel, the KTT Semi Mute switches are sure to please. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Semi Mute both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a more pronounced typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch. Therefore, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Semi Mute, you can expect similar outcomes in terms of sound and lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a nylon construction, while the Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate. This distinction leads to a notable difference in the typing experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate's stiffer nature creates a more clear and resonant sound. Thus, depending on your preference for sound characteristics, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Semi Mute's bottom housing material can greatly impact your overall satisfaction with the switch.
It's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are distributed differently in these two switches. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's qualities are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches share similar properties due to their polycarbonate top housing, the distinction in bottom housing materials provides a unique typing experience for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Semi Mute has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams.Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Silver requires 50 grams of force, whereas the Semi Mute is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Semi Mute provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel when typing.
Overall, both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, providing a comfortable typing experience for extended periods of time. However, if a user is seeking a more substantial typing experience, the Semi Mute switch would be a better choice with its heavier bottom out force. With either switch, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force, but the Semi Mute switch will offer a slightly heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute 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 feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is best known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The low pitch adds to the satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is designed for a noise-free environment, offering a muted and neutral sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The neutral sound profile makes them suitable for various settings, whether it be for beginners or advanced users, or for use at home or work.
When it comes to feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and Semi Mute switches provide a buttery typing experience. The buttery descriptor implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch also has a creamy feel, which can be attributed to lubricant applied in the switch or specific materials used. It provides a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Likewise, the Semi Mute switch offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Semi Mute switch stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and KTT Semi Mute switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a bassy and thocky sound, along with a buttery and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch delivers a muted and neutral sound, paired with a buttery and mild typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to enhance your typing or gaming experience. Keep in mind that the ultimate sound and feel can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are primarily a gamer seeking an enhanced gaming experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer lightning-fast responsiveness and provide a competitive advantage. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are also known for their vibrant RGB lighting and exhilarating auditory element. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Their advanced dampening technology ensures silent operation, making them perfect for those who prioritize a quieter experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two would depend on your specific preferences and requirements.
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