Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, typists are presented with two distinct options to consider. The G Pro 3.0 White, a linear switch, boasts an ultra-light actuation force of 38g, making it ideal for delicate typists seeking effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch by KTT stands out for its smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the G Pro 3.0 White offers a medium-high pitch and bright RGB lighting, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
48g
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we can see that they differ in terms of the materials used. The G Pro 3.0 White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, they achieve it in slightly different ways, catering to different preferences in sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White incorporates nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. Meanwhile, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK material for its bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. This difference in material highlights a divergence in approach, with the G Pro 3.0 White focusing on sound depth and the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizing smoothness and durability. Despite these variations, both materials contribute to the overall typing experience of the switch.
Overall, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilize different housing materials, they both aim to enhance the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. The use of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 White offers a clear and resonant sound, particularly suited for RGB lighting effects, while the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing in the G Pro 3.0 White creates a deep sound profile, while the POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes smoothness and durability. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, catering to various preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have relatively light bottom out forces of 45 grams and 48 grams, respectively. This means that both switches offer a light typing experience overall. If you prefer a lighter typing feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, either of these switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, you may want to consider other options with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the G Pro 3.0 White and Vanilla Ice Cream switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and typing intensity.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference may not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer faster response times may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the G Pro 3.0 White switch. Both switches offer a different feel when pressed, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on which travel distance is more comfortable and satisfying for your typing or gaming 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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 linear switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, providing a crisp and percussive auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature, creating a clean and sharp typing experience with a distinctive sound. Depending on personal preference, typists can choose between the moderate and clacky sound of the G Pro 3.0 White or the high-pitched and resonant sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream for a satisfying auditory feedback while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle, offering typists a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and light actuation force. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch also provides a buttery and creamy feel, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Typists can enjoy a luxurious typing experience with the creamy and silky feel of both switches, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 White provides a more neutral and subdued sound with a creamy and silky typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant sound along with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Typists looking for a budget-friendly switch with a lighter actuation force may prefer the G Pro 3.0 White, while those seeking a smooth and luxurious typing experience with a distinctive sound signature may opt for the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience depending on the individual's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 White with 45g bottom out force may be more suitable for you compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48g bottom out force. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and neutral sound profile with a creamy and easy-to-press typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a high-pitched and marbly sound profile with a buttery and creamy typing feel, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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