Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Orange offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch renowned for its budget-friendly nature and delicate typing experience. With an actuation force of only 38g, it ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes, making it ideal for those who prefer a light touch. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch provides satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch stands out with its bouncy type feel. Equipped with a 22mm long spring, polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, it offers a slick and frictionless typing experience. Its low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall pleasant and satisfying feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
46g
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
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Orange both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This means that both switches will exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, making it a desirable choice for users who want to customize their keyboard's lighting effects. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches will provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White features a nylon material while the KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the KTT Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the overall clear and resonant sound profile of the switch. This difference in bottom housing material will have an impact on the sound and feel when pressing and bottoming out the keys.
When pressing down on the G Pro 3.0 White, the softer nylon bottom housing will result in a slightly duller and rounder sound, creating a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a sharper and more responsive sound when bottoming out the keys. Additionally, since the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key, the nylon top housing of the G Pro 3.0 White may produce a slightly different sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the KTT Orange.
Overall, while the top housing of both switches is the same, the difference in bottom housing materials will contribute to distinct sound characteristics. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White with its nylon bottom housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound, while the KTT Orange with its polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a sharper and more resonant sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White will require a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 White has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Orange has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Orange will provide a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down the keys.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, such as those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, the G Pro 3.0 White would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for a smoother and potentially less fatiguing typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience might prefer the KTT Orange switch. Its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a tactile feedback and a sense of solidity.
Considering weight preferences, it is clear that both switches offer distinct qualities. While the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a lighter and more effortless keystroke feel, the KTT Orange offers a medium-light actuation and bottom out forces that give a bit more resistance and feedback. Therefore, neither switch is universally superior, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Orange switch. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be more traditional, while 3.5 mm is on the shallower side. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Orange switch with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and in that case, the G Pro 3.0 White with its longer 4.0 mm travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of keypress depth.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 White switch is best described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience. The switch is described as creamy due to its smooth and buttery feel, likely from the lubricant applied at the factory. Typing on these switches feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. The easy-to-press attribute means that the switch requires minimal force to activate, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue. The G Pro 3.0 White switch is also feathery, having an exceptionally light actuation force that minimizes strain on the fingers during extended typing sessions. The mild and silky qualities of the switch further add to its approachable and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. When pressed, these switches offer a lively feel with a rebound effect. Additionally, the Orange switch is frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch and the KTT Orange switch have different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for its clacky sound and creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, and silky feel. It offers a premium typing feel without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience. Both switches have their unique features and can cater to different preferences. However, if you are looking for a similar result, the G Pro 3.0 White switch can provide a similar feel to the Orange switch with its feathery and silky attributes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you would want to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch if you are a delicate typist looking for an effortless and sensitive typing experience. With its light actuation force of 38g, this switch allows for effortless keystrokes and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 White also offers a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch and produces a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound depending on your preference. In terms of feel, this switch provides a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, or subtle typing experience, depending on your desired level of smoothness and resistance.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange linear switch would be the better choice for you. With a bottom out force of 53g, this switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the G Pro 3.0 White. The KTT Orange switch features a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, providing a slick and frictionless typing experience. It also has a low-pitched sound profile, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch depends on your personal preference and typing style. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to choose the switch that best suits your needs. Whether you prioritize light and effortless typing or a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your overall typing experience.