Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Matcha are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is highly regarded for its budget-friendly nature and linear switch design. Typing on these switches provides a distinct high-pitched clacky sound profile, accompanied by a fairly bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha stands out as a tactile switch that offers a comfortable and snappy tactility when typing. Additionally, users can enjoy a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem design. While these generalities provide a good starting point, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics of these switches to determine the one that best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Matcha both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. It also allows for translucency, which is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures that you will obtain similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow features nylon, while the Matcha utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate in the Matcha's bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its impact on the top housing.
When using these switches, the qualities brought by the bottom and top housing materials will be split. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. Meanwhile, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both switches, will affect the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while the bottom housings may differ, the use of polycarbonate for the top housing ensures a consistent sound experience when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of weight. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Matcha's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Matcha has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Matcha switch would be ideal as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, such as in a work or gaming scenario. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing.
Although the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Matcha switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, it is important to note that both switches deliver consistent and reliable performance. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, both switches can provide satisfying results.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it can be determined that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key with either of these switches will result in a similar level of travel distance. While we do not have any information on whether these switches have different tactile or linear characteristics, it can be concluded that in terms of travel distance, they are equal.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 Yellow provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. The sound is sharp and crisp, giving an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. It produces a clacky sound that is described as sharp, snappy, and percussive. Both switches have their unique sound qualities, but the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is characterized by a higher pitch, while the Matcha has a cleaner and sharper sound.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. It feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with a silky sensation. As for the Matcha, it provides a stepped feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is snappy and responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the Matcha is considered an accented switch, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow providing a polished and creamy feel and the Matcha offering a stepped and snappy feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Matcha have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a higher-pitched clacky sound and provides a polished, creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha offers a clean bottom-out sound and a stepped, snappy feel with medium tactility. If you're looking for a sharper and crisper sound with smooth key travel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a great choice. If you prefer a clean bottom-out sound and a snappy typing experience with medium tactility, the Matcha is the way to go. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. It offers a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light bottom out force, the KTT Matcha is a great option. It provides a comfortable and snappy tactility, as well as a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a high-pitched and resonant sound, while the Matcha has a clacky and percussive sound. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Matcha, on the other hand, provides a stepped and snappy feel, making it super responsive and lively. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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