Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two popular options worth exploring are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TTC Ice, both linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 White stands out with its incredibly light actuation force of just 38g, catering to users who require a sensitive and effortless keystroke, making it ideal for delicate typists. This switch also features a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches offer a visually appealing crystal-clear transparent design combined with a smooth and responsive feel, perfect for those seeking a premium typing experience for both gaming and daily tasks. While the G Pro 3.0 White evokes a clacky and creamy feedback, the TTC Ice delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound. Both switches have their unique advantages, making them suitable for different users. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TTC Ice switches, it's important to note the similarities and differences in their housing materials. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both cases results in a more resonant sound, enhancing the auditory experience while typing. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes both models especially appealing for setups involving RGB lighting, as it allows for effective illumination through the housing. This commonality in top housing materials suggests that users will likely experience similar sound qualities and lighting effects when using either switch.
However, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge, leading to different auditory experiences. The G Pro 3.0 White switch incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is characterized by its softer plastic composition. This choice dampens sound and generates a deeper, fuller sound profile, providing a rounder auditory feel during use. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top, which means it will maintain a sharper and crisper sound profile, akin to that experienced with its own top housing. Consequently, this variation in bottom housing materials emphasizes how the G Pro 3.0 White would lend itself to a more muted sound when bottoming out, while the TTC Ice would retain the high-pitched tone throughout.
Ultimately, the distinct bottom housings reflect how the G Pro 3.0 White and TTC Ice switches will perform during key presses. The G Pro 3.0 White, with its nylon bottom housing, will deliver a more robust and softened auditory experience, particularly noticeable during the bottoming out of keys. Conversely, the TTC Ice switches will produce a more consistent sound profile from top to bottom, characterized by the attributes of polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches can yield a satisfying auditory experience under RGB lighting due to their polycarbonate tops, the material difference in their bottom housings creates unique sound profiles that will appeal to varied personal preferences in typing feel and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The G Pro 3.0 White features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing feel. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter overall, the TTC Ice caters to users who enjoy a firmer push. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces also imply that if one were to use these switches, the typing experience would vary significantly—those choosing the G Pro 3.0 White would experience a smoother, lighter touch, whereas the TTC Ice would provide a more pronounced resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional press feel, providing a hearty depth that many users appreciate for a tactile experience. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option that caters to those who prefer a more responsive feel, often favored by gamers for quicker key presses. While both switches cater to different preferences, the G Pro 3.0 White will provide a deeper experience compared to the more abrupt feedback of the Ice switch. Users seeking a balance between depth and responsiveness may find the differences significant in their typing or gaming experiences.
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 TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 comparing the sounds of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TTC Ice linear switches, the G Pro White is characterized by a nuanced auditory profile. It can produce clacky sounds, making it suitable for those who enjoy that sharp, bright, and percussive feedback. At the same time, it also has aspects of neutrality and subdued qualities, allowing for versatility whether for home or work environments. Conversely, the sound profile of the TTC Ice is not specified, leaving uncertainty regarding its auditory characteristics. This means that if you prefer a more vibrant sound experience, the G Pro White would be the better choice, while the Ice switch may require further exploration to ascertain how it aligns with personal preferences.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White excels with descriptors such as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, and silky. This switch provides a super smooth and responsive typing experience that minimizes mental and physical strain, ensuring comfort during long typing sessions. It allows for gentle resistance, providing a milder and more accessible feel for both gaming and everyday usage. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the TTC Ice switch are not detailed, so it's unclear how its feel will compare. The certainty of comfort and ease in the G Pro 3.0 suggests that those prioritizing an effortless typing experience may lean towards it, while the Ice switch remains an unknown.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch stands out with its combination of satisfying sound and exceptional feel, making it an appealing option for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. Its auditory qualities offer a satisfying experience that caters to a variety of settings, while its light actuation force promotes comfort and responsiveness regardless of typing duration. In contrast, the TTC Ice linear switch remains an enigma, particularly with its sound and feel, suggesting that further investigation might be necessary for those interested. Overall, for users seeking reliable auditory feedback and a buttery smooth typing experience, the G Pro White is likely the better investment, whereas the TTC Ice warrants additional exploration.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and a creamy typing experience, especially for extended typing sessions, the G Pro 3.0 White is an excellent choice. With its light actuation force of only 38 grams, it ensures that each keystroke feels effortless, making it ideal for delicate typists or those who type for long hours, whether for work or gaming. Moreover, its clacky sound can add a satisfying auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly more robust feel, the TTC Ice switch with its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that many users find favorable for gaming and everyday tasks. Its smooth responsiveness and crystal-clear design also enhance the overall aesthetic and tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits and acoustical preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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