Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Grapefruit, two mechanical keyboard switches that excel in providing an exceptional typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 White, a linear switch from Gateron's G Pro series, is highly regarded for its budget-friendly nature. Designed with delicate typists in mind, this switch offers an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, ensuring effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With a frosted light diffuser, the G Pro White allows for brighter RGB lighting, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit is no less impressive. These tarty linear switches boast a soft and light typing feel, perfect for those seeking a more subdued experience. Additionally, they offer a unique "baritone" sound profile, neither too deep nor too bassy, and are categorized as low-pitched and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Grapefruit both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This shared material results in similar qualities for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Grapefruit employ nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that brings its own characteristics to the typing experience. Switches with nylon bottom housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced by these switches tends to be duller and rounder, offering a different auditory experience from switches with other bottom housing materials.
It's worth noting that the use of different top and bottom housing materials can lead to a unique combination of qualities for each switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact of the bottom housing material becomes apparent in both the sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material has more influence on the sound when releasing a pressed key. Thus, selecting a switch with different top and bottom housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, as the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Grapefruit requires a slightly heavier 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White will provide a more sensitive and responsive typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 White requires 45 grams, while the Grapefruit needs 53 grams to fully press down. This indicates that the Grapefruit switch offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who want a lighter and more comfortable typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch provides a slightly heavier and more tactile feel, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feedback. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent and equal distance of travel when pressing down on a key. Users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile experience and overall feel while typing or gaming. Whether it's the G Pro 3.0 White or the Grapefruit, both switches deliver a satisfying and reliable travel distance, ensuring a comfortable typing or gaming experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White 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 White for $3.27.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 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 White switch is known for its clacky sound profile. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means it offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is often described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. This indicates that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a light actuation force that requires minimal effort to activate. The switch feels gentle, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. The typing experience is smooth and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that leads to a sleek typing experience. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch and the KTT Grapefruit switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White switch has a clacky sound profile and provides a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing feel. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch has a low-pitched sound and offers a polished typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can choose the switch that suits you best. However, if you are aiming for a similar sound and feel, both switches can provide a neutral experience that is suitable for most purposes.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist looking for an incredibly light actuation force and a budget-friendly option, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience. The creamy and silky feel of these switches enhances the overall smoothness and comfort of your typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 White also provides a clacky and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both home and work environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a tarty and low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a slightly firmer typing feel while still maintaining a neutral actuation force requirement. The polished finish of these switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch depends on your specific preferences. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a creamy, easy-to-press feel, go for the G Pro 3.0 White. If you prefer a slightly firmer typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile and a polished finish, the KTT Grapefruit is the way to go. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and budget to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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