Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Laurel are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a polished and high-pitched clacky sound profile that adds a touch of liveliness to typing. Its creamy and resonant feel provides a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel boasts a medium-light linear switch design that strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design enhance typing efficiency and reduce strain. Additionally, the Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, giving it a quieter and more understated typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Laurel differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic material allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for those who prioritize a distinct and vibrant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Laurel features a POM top housing, known for creating a more muted and deeper sound. This unique sound profile offers a pleasant auditory experience, but with a softer tone compared to the sharpness of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Moving to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder overall sound. This is particularly attractive to users who prefer a typing experience characterized by a satisfying and robust sound. On the other hand, the Laurel also incorporates a POM bottom housing, providing a similar effect. Both switches offer that sought-after deep sound, although the Laurel's variation may be slightly more muted compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that when a switch utilizes different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are split between the two parts. Thus, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow places more emphasis on the sound and feel when releasing a key, as influenced by the polycarbonate top housing, while the Laurel's POM top housing enhances the sound profile during key release. Conversely, the feeling and sound when pressing down on the switch are influenced by the bottom housing, with the nylon material of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivering a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel, while the POM bottom housing of the Laurel contributes to its deeper and relatively more muted sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Laurel's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Laurel has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. These differences in force result in distinct typing experiences.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel switch would be more suitable as its actuation and bottom out forces are both lighter. This allows for a smoother and less fatiguing typing or gaming session, making it ideal for those who value extended usage without straining their fingers. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial push feel. This is preferable for individuals who desire a firmer and more tactile typing experience.
While the forces differ between the two switches, it's worth mentioning that users who prefer lighter or heavier forces can still achieve similar results with their typing experience. By adjusting their typing technique, users of either switch can adapt to the force required for actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Laurel switches will depend on an individual's personal preference and their desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch have different travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. In this case, the Laurel would be the preferred option for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a deeper keypress. For those individuals, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 Yellow is a higher-pitched and resonant switch. When pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound that can create an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch has a subtly low-pitched sound profile. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as polished and creamy. These characteristics indicate that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and buttery typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel provided by the G Pro 3.0 Yellow create a sensation of effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. On the other hand, the Laurel switch is described as snappy. This suggests that it is super responsive and offers a typing experience that feels more alive. This responsiveness may be due to longer or dual-staged springs used in the switch design.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Laurel switches have distinct subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a polished, creamy feel. It provides a sharp and crisp sound with reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel switch provides a subtly low-pitched sound and a snappy feel. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with super responsiveness.
While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Laurel have different characteristics, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining which switch is ideal. Some users may prefer the sharp and crisp sound of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while others may gravitate towards the more bass-heavy and mellow tone of the Laurel. Ultimately, the key factors influencing the decision should be personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are a few factors to consider.
If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its 67-gram force would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Laurel with its 50-gram force would be more fitting.
In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher-pitched clacky sound profile, providing a sharper and crisper sound when typing. Conversely, the Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, producing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Laurel is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience.
Ultimately, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly option with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile. Meanwhile, the Laurel caters to those looking for a medium-light switch with a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy, responsive feel.
Consider your personal preferences and needs when making a decision between these two switches, as they both offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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