Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch for your gaming or typing needs, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is known for its lightning-fast responsiveness, thanks to its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, making it ideal for gamers seeking a competitive edge. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, achieved through the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. While the G Pro Silver offers a medium-high pitch and vibrant RGB lighting, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials provide a satisfying typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who prefer a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when coupled with RGB lighting, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend offers a unique clacky sound that appeals to users seeking a different auditory experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Silver uses nylon, known for its deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK material for its bottom housing, which is exceptionally strong, smooth, and durable. The POK material's coefficient of friction and wear resistance surpasses that of nylon, making it a top choice for users looking for smooth and reliable switches. While both bottom housing materials offer different sound profiles and levels of durability, they contribute to the overall typing experience in their respective keyboards.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound profile ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while its nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound, while its POK bottom housing ensures a smooth and durable typing experience. Both keyboards offer unique qualities in their housing materials, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the lighter category. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may find these switches to be too light for their liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances, which is ideal for those looking for quick response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. However, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 linear switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky typing experience, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature, giving typists a sharp and clean auditory feedback. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver leaning towards a deeper and richer tone, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a crisper and sharper sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches are described as buttery and creamy, offering typists a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. The use of specific materials and lubricants in these switches provides a silky sensation, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease. Typists can expect a seamless and uniform typing sensation with both switches, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch excels in providing a bassy and thocky sound profile, coupled with a buttery and creamy typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant sound, along with a buttery and creamy typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, typists can expect a satisfying and premium typing experience with either the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, ensuring a high level of performance and comfort in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize lightning-fast responsiveness, competitive gaming advantage, and vibrant RGB lighting with a medium-high pitch sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience, high-pitched and clacky sound profile, and the ingenious use of POK material for a unique feel, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize gaming performance or typing comfort and sound aesthetics.
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