Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular linear switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. On one hand, the G Pro 3.0 White stands out as a budget-friendly option from Gateron's G Pro series. It is specifically designed for delicate typists, offering an impressively light actuation force of only 38g. This ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes, perfect for those seeking a feather-light typing experience. 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 Sea Salt Lemon by KTT takes a different approach. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design deliver a delightful buttery smooth typing experience. With a low-pitched and mild feel, this switch provides a more subdued tactile feedback. Both switches have their own unique qualities and appeal. However, let's delve deeper into their characteristics to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is particularly desirable when using RGB lighting. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an aesthetically pleasing option for showcasing the lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal from both switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches employ nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. Nylon has the ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound from both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Sea Salt Lemon switches.
It's important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the two aspects of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings may have slight differences, the overall sound experience will be comparable for both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Sea Salt Lemon switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we can see some noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 White requires 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires 53 grams. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. This lightness can be advantageous for those who prefer a keyboard that is easy to type on for extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a slightly stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a heavier force. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, but the G Pro 3.0 White would be the lighter option while the Sea Salt Lemon would provide a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
When it comes to the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the exact same distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a travel distance that allows for precise and responsive keystrokes. Whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 offers a clacky and medium-high pitch sound. This produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, meaning they offer a moderate sound that is suitable for most users and environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be a suitable choice, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mellower and bass-heavy sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. With its light actuation force of 38g, this switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. It requires minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. While specific details are not provided, it can be inferred that this switch provides a gentle and approachable typing feel.
Taking all the information into consideration, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White switch has a clacky sound with a medium-high pitch and provides a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched sound and offers a mild typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and are suitable for most users and environments.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option with a light actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a mellower sound and a mild typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch may be more suitable. It's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches, as they offer different characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist looking for a budget-friendly switch with effortless and sensitive keystrokes, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a light typing experience and is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle in terms of feel. It provides a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch and offers a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound depending on your preference.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a bottom out force of 53 grams, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is worth considering. This switch is known for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. It is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a mellow tone suitable for most purposes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing feel with a budget-friendly option, the G Pro 3.0 White is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience and value the smoothness provided by the progressive spring and dry-lube design, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the switch for you. Both switches offer a range of feel and sound options to cater to different typing preferences.
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