Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. TKC Kiwi

Overview

Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White, a linear switch, and the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The G Pro 3.0 White is known for its budget-friendly nature and delicate touch, ideal for those who prefer an easy-to-press and feathery key feel. With an actuation force of only 38g, this switch ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, and the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is designed to enhance the typing experience with its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. This tactile feedback offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, delivering an immersive typing experience. These switches also come lightly factory lubed, making for a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 White Linear

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$3.40

$3.27 per 10

$8.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TKC Kiwi switches have distinct differences that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing. Both materials offer a bright sound signature, but polycarbonate tends to create a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, UHWMPE produces resonant clacks during typing, providing its own unique tonality. Although the materials differ, users can expect similar results in terms of a bright and lively sound experience.

Moving to the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 White incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Kiwi features a UHWMPE bottom housing. The nylon material of the G Pro 3.0 White promotes a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature, which allows for greater sound absorption. This creates a duller and rounder sound upon keypress. In contrast, the UHWMPE bottom housing in the Kiwi contributes to a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks. While the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable during bottom-out, the top housing will play a larger role in the sound when releasing a key.

Although the top and bottom housings differ between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TKC Kiwi switches, the overall experience remains somewhat similar. Both switches utilize materials that offer a bright sound signature, creating a lively and engaging typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the UHWMPE top housing in the Kiwi delivers resonant clacks. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 White produces a deeper sound profile, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi adds brightness to the sound. Regardless of the specific materials used, users can expect a satisfying auditory response from both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle touch. In contrast, the Kiwi switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 White also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for a smoother typing experience that may be preferred during extended periods of use. In comparison, the TKC Kiwi switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, resulting in a more pronounced tactile feedback when pressing the keys fully. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on individual preference, with the G Pro 3.0 White offering a lighter and more effortless typing experience, while the TKC Kiwi provides a stronger and more satisfying push feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is the same, with both switches having 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 of travel, resulting in a similar typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable and responsive feel, ensuring that each keystroke registers accurately. Whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White or the TKC Kiwi, you can expect a smooth typing experience with a consistent travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as having a medium-high pitch with a satisfying auditory feedback. It can be categorized as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches tend to have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The exact sound produced by the Kiwi switch is not specified, but it is mentioned that it has a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. In terms of sound, both switches offer different characteristics, with the G Pro 3.0 White providing a clacky and higher-pitched sound, while the Kiwi offers a low-pitched and snappy sound.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as offering a premium typing feel without breaking the bank. It has a creamy and easy-to-press feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to the lubricant applied at the factory, as well as the light actuation force of only 38g, making typing effortless and comfortable. The G Pro 3.0 White switch is also described as feathery and mild, reducing finger fatigue and offering a gentle typing experience. It is also mentioned to have a silky and subtle feel, further enhancing the smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. Stepped switches provide a mild tactile experience with a noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Accented switches offer a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Polished switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Kiwi switch is also lightly factory lubed, further contributing to a smooth and effortless typing experience. In terms of feel, both switches offer different characteristics, with the G Pro 3.0 White providing a creamy, easy-to-press, and feathery feel, while the Kiwi offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel.

Considering the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch and the TKC Kiwi switch have different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a clacky and higher-pitched sound, while the Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched and snappy sound. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch provides a stepped, accented, and polished feel. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you are looking for a clacky and higher-pitched sound with a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle feel, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a low-pitched and snappy sound with a stepped, accented, and polished feel, the TKC Kiwi switch would be a good option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are a delicate typist looking for a budget-friendly option with a light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is the perfect choice for you. Its light bottom out force of 45 grams ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes, enhancing your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 White also offers a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory feedback. With its creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle feel, this switch provides a smooth and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Although it produces a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound, it still offers a satisfactory sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and a truly immersive typing experience. The Kiwi switch is lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. It offers a low-pitched or neutral sound and a stepped, accented, or polished feel. Overall, both switches have their unique features and benefits, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference as a typist.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 White Linear

$3.40

$3.27 per 10

Learn more

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more