Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Purple Star both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White, a linear switch, is designed for delicate typists who prefer a light actuation force of 38g, allowing for effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With its frosted light diffuser and medium-high pitch, this switch provides a satisfying auditory feedback while also offering bright RGB lighting. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star, also a linear switch, boasts an all-POM construction that delivers a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature. With a very light 45g bottom-out, these switches are perfect for light typists looking for ease and comfort. Both switches have their own set of characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Purple Star both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a different typing experience for those who prefer a softer sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer a transparent housing that allows for customizable RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 White employs a nylon housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This creates a duller and rounder typing experience compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Purple Star utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with the overall tone set by the POM top housing. While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they each cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound output.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Purple Star will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a sharper and clearer sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, providing a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound profile, catering to users who prefer a softer typing experience. Both switches allow for customizable RGB lighting due to their transparent housing materials, giving users the flexibility to personalize their setup based on their aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 White has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Purple Star features slightly heavier forces with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the G Pro 3.0 White being the lighter option and the Purple Star offering a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 White has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Purple Star's 3.5 mm. The difference of 0.5 mm might not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable impact on the feel and responsiveness of the keys. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Purple Star with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial depth when typing may opt for the G Pro 3.0 White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer unique benefits that cater to different user needs.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that adds an extra dimension to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch boasts a low-pitched sound that offers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a more percussive and bright sound, the G Pro 3.0 White may be the better choice for you. Alternatively, if you enjoy a smoother and deeper sound, the Purple Star switch could be the way to go.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience, thanks to its smooth actuation and light 38g of force required for key presses. This results in a buttery sensation that makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Similarly, the KTT Purple Star switch provides a mild and easy-to-press typing feel with its light 45g bottom-out force, offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience that enhances overall comfort. Both switches prioritize ease of use and comfort, making them suitable options for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and KTT Purple Star switches offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing experience. However, with both switches offering light actuation forces and comfortable typing experiences, you can expect similar results in terms of ease and efficiency when using either switch.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a slightly lighter actuation force of 38g and a clacky sound profile along with a creamy and feathery typing feel, then the G Pro 3.0 White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force of 45g and a low-pitched sound profile accompanied by a mild and easy-to-press typing feel, then the Purple Star could be more suitable for your typing style. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience but cater to slightly different preferences in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what aligns best with your personal typing preferences and habits.