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Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. KTT Pine

An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Pine are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences for users. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its budget-friendly excellence, providing a linear switch option that delivers a higher-pitched clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine offers a medium-heavy switch with a buttery smooth feel and effortless typing experience. These switches are categorized differently, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow being labeled as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, while the Pine is characterized as bassy, buttery, creamy, and low-pitched. Each switch has its own unique qualities, making it important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to choose the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

50g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

67g

Bottom-out force

58g

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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

15.4mm long spring

Spring

15.5mm gold-plated spring

Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Pine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches are aesthetically pleasing due to their translucency, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and visual experiences when using either of these switches.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a distinction between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, producing a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Pine switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing material. This means that the Pine switch will deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound similar to its top housing.

When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. So, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, users can expect a deeper and fuller experience, while the Pine will provide a sharper and crisper sensation. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing material. Therefore, the sound profile when letting go of a key will be quite similar between the two switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.

In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Pine share a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharp and clear sound, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Pine has a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. However, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is slightly heavier than the Pine. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls in the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium.

For those who prefer a lighter feel when typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions, the Pine may be the preferable option due to its slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces. However, for individuals who desire a more robust and substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a better choice given its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.

Ultimately, both switches provide a similar typing experience despite their slight variations in actuation and bottom out forces. Whether one prefers a lighter or a heavier feel, these switches offer a range of options to accommodate personal preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Therefore, users can expect consistent results in terms of the tactile feel and feedback of these switches.

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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.

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 linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant qualities. Pressing these switches produces a sharp and crisp sound, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches provide a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a higher-pitched and clean sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a suitable choice, while the Pine offers a more bass-heavy experience.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as polished and creamy. These switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to a satisfying and effortless feel. Similarly, the KTT Pine switch is also described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Typing on these switches provides a seamless and uniform sensation, as if gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches offer a delightfully smooth and buttery typing experience, making them a great choice for those seeking effortless keystrokes.

Considering all the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Pine linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, while the Pine provides a bassy and low-pitched tone. When it comes to feel, both switches offer a polished and creamy sensation, promoting smooth and buttery typing experiences. While they differ in sound characteristics, the switches share similarities in their smooth and refined feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches should be based on personal preferences for sound and the desired level of smoothness during typing.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is a great choice if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. It provides a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, which can be appealing if you enjoy a sharp and clean auditory experience. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish as well as potential factory lubrication. This switch allows for reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it effortless to glide your fingers across the keys. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch features a slightly lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a medium force. The Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, which can provide a deeper and richer tone during key presses. In terms of feel, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Pine will depend on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.

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