Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Strawberry. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch that stands out for its budget-friendly nature and light actuation force of only 38g, making it ideal for delicate typists who prefer effortless and sensitive keystrokes. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting experience, while the medium-high pitch provides satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Strawberry is also a linear switch loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With attractive pink and clear housings, it offers a low-pitched sound along with a frictionless and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer distinct qualities, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Strawberry both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer similar advantages. The use of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice if you plan to use RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches.
However, there is a difference when it comes to their bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 White utilizes nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing. This means that the qualities brought by the bottom housing, such as impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will differ between the two switches.
When it comes to the sound experienced upon releasing a key, the top housings of both switches will have a significant impact. The polycarbonate top housings of both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Strawberry will contribute to a clear and resonant sound when you let go of a key. While the bottom housings may differ, the similarities in the top housings ensure that you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when releasing keys on both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that they have different force requirements. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Strawberry requires a slightly higher force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when bottoming out, the G Pro 3.0 White requires 45 grams of force, whereas the Strawberry necessitates a heavier 62 grams.
Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 White, as it enables them to type for longer periods without causing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or indulge in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.
Although the forces required for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and KTT Strawberry switches are different, both options offer unique benefits. If one desires a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White would be the more suitable choice. However, if a more substantial and tactile typing experience is preferred, the Strawberry switch would be the ideal option. In either case, users can expect reliable and satisfying results based on their individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will experience the same distance of travel on both switches. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile experience 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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 described as having a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound depending on the typing experience desired. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback. The neutral sound profile offers a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether for beginners or advanced typists. The subdued sound of the G Pro 3.0 White switch is more dampened and subtle compared to other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its low-pitched sound, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, or subtle typing experience. The creamy feel is achieved through lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials, resulting in a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. The easy-to-press characteristic requires minimal force to activate the keys, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feathery feel is exceptionally light and comfortable, perfect for gaming, school, or work. The mild feel of the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a gentle typing experience that can be approached by most users. The silky feel enhances the smoothness of typing, minimizing resistance during key presses. Finally, the subtle feel features a gentle resistance without being too feather-light, making it suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. These switches provide an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with fluid key travel and reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and KTT Strawberry switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White switch provides options for clacky or neutral sound profiles, with a range of feels from creamy and easy-to-press to feathery and subtle. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is low-pitched, providing a mellow sound, and offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. While each switch has its own unique qualities, it is important to note that personal preferences may vary. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, and depending on individual preferences, similar results in sound and feel can be achieved with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist looking for a budget-friendly option, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its incredibly light actuation force of 45 grams, you can enjoy effortless and sensitive keystrokes. The frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, and the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. This switch offers a premium typing feel without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch, the KTT Strawberry linear switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams would be more suitable for you. These delectable strawberries are known for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. The low-pitched sound profile of the Strawberry switch offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation, minimal resistance during key presses, and reduces finger fatigue. The Strawberry switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and KTT Strawberry linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch with a budget-friendly price point, the G Pro 3.0 White would be ideal. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with smooth actuation and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Strawberry switch would be a better choice. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and budget to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.