Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Ice both present appealing options, albeit for different reasons. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a satisfying linear typing experience characterized by a higher-pitched clacky sound and a bouncy feel, making it an enticing choice for those who enjoy a bit of feedback without the distraction of a tactile bump. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches stand out with their stunning crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive keystroke coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound, which elevates both gaming and everyday typing experiences. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is perfect for users prioritizing cost-effectiveness and a lively sound profile, the TTC Ice appeals to those seeking aesthetic appeal and a premium feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Ice switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in an identical sound profile that is characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper quality. This resonance is largely a consequence of polycarbonate's stiffer properties, allowing for a clearer and more articulated sound when a keystroke is executed. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate not only serves an aesthetic purpose—making it visually appealing when RGB lighting is introduced—but also enhances the overall auditory experience that users can expect. Both switches, through their identical top housing material, will therefore create a consistent auditory environment that complements the visual dynamics of illuminated key switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Ice diverge significantly. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which lends a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch. Given nylon's relatively softer nature, it effectively absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. This characteristic becomes pronounced during bottom-out action, thus affecting how the switch feels to the user in practice. In comparison, the TTC Ice incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mimics the sound profile of the top housing by providing a more pronounced and resonant keystroke. This divergence means that while both switches share similarities in their top housing sound, the bottom-out experience will differ significantly.
Ultimately, the unique combination of materials yields distinct experiences when typing on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow versus the TTC Ice. While the polycarbonate top housing ensures a similar auditory outcome when keys are released, the nylon bottom of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow results in a softer, more muted keystroke feel compared to the sharper, clearer bottom-out sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom of the TTC Ice. The differing bottom housings thus create a nuanced contrast in overall typing feel and sound profile. Users seeking a deeper sound profile may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while those preferring a more crisp, resonant keystroke might find the TTC Ice to be a better fit, showcasing how the interplay between materials can significantly influence the switch's performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom-out force. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom-out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel during typing or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. This means that the Ice is generally lighter and may be more suitable for users who type for extended periods without fatigue. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is better suited for those seeking a more substantial feel with a heavier actuation and bottom-out force, while the TTC Ice is ideal for users who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight difference reflects a broader trend in switch design, where shorter distances, like that of the Ice, cater to gamers seeking quicker response times. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience, providing a deeper feel with each keystroke. Consequently, if you value responsiveness and speed, the TTC Ice's shorter travel distance could enhance your gaming performance, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Yellow might be more suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is characterized by a distinct high-pitched clacky sound that sets it apart from many other switches. This auditory experience is further enhanced by a resonant quality, delivering a clean and sharp sound when typing. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Yellow ideal for users who appreciate a more elevated auditory feedback, particularly those who prefer a less rich and bassy tone that might overwhelm their surroundings. In contrast, while the TTC Ice switch is noted for its premium sound quality with a satisfactory bottom-out sound, specific details about its sound characteristics are not provided. Thus, those seeking a comparable auditory experience could lean toward the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a polished and creamy sensation that provides a smooth and refined typing experience. The combination of a polished finish and a buttery glide allows users to enjoy effortless keystrokes, enhancing both gaming and typing. The factory lubrication contributes to the minimizes friction, making every press feel fluid and satisfying. On the other hand, details about the feel of the TTC Ice switch are unknown. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a clearly defined typing experience, the precise feel of the Ice remains to be explored, leaving users to consider their preferences carefully.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Ice linear switches cater to different user preferences and priorities. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow shines with its clear high-pitched sound and creamy feel, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking an auditory and tactile delight. While the TTC Ice switch promises a premium experience, its specific qualities in sound and feel are less defined. Ultimately, users may find the G Pro 3.0 Yellow’s performance aligns well with their expectations, especially in terms of sound and typing feel, while the Ice switch remains an intriguing option that may deliver solid results, pending further insight.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, you'll want to consider your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and the type of usage you have in mind. If you lean towards a more medium-heavy key feel with a pronounced, high-pitched, and resonant sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a bouncy typing experience that feels polished and creamy. This switch shines for typing and gaming where auditory feedback is particularly enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 60 grams and a more understated sound profile, the TTC Ice switch may suit you better. Known for its premium, smooth typing experience, it’s versatile for both gaming and everyday use, especially if you appreciate a cleaner sound and design aesthetics. Ultimately, both switches bring unique qualities to your keyboard, so consider what aspects are most important to you based on your typing habits and environment.
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