KTT F2 vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT F2 and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct experiences for users seeking different characteristics in their typing feel. The F2 stands out with its unique hollow sound signature and lightly textured keystrokes, providing a comfortable and subtle tactile experience categorized as ['Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Subtle']. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality construction, featuring a gentle tactile bump and a medium-high pitch that adds joy to typing sessions, categorized as ['Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Stepped']. While the F2 excels in providing a quiet and nuanced typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more pronounced tactile feedback and an enhanced visual appeal with its frosted light diffuser. 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The KTT F2 and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches may offer similar sound profiles due to their shared top housing material, the overall feel of typing on each switch may vary slightly.
On the other hand, the KTT F2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing material to provide a consistent sound profile throughout typing. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, however, features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the G Pro 3.0 Brown. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience between the two switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the KTT F2 and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown may share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the choice of bottom housing material may ultimately determine the overall typing feel and sound profile of each switch.
Weight
The KTT F2 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier. However, the bottom out force of the F2 is 53 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 63 grams to bottom out, making them both relatively medium in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the F2 may be more suitable due to its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue setting in. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT F2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The F2's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and substantial keypress. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the F2 providing a quicker feel and the G Pro 3.0 Brown offering a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
The KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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 KTT F2 linear switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is described as having a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the typing experience with a bit more acoustical flair. Both switches provide unique sound experiences, with the F2 offering a quieter and more subtle typing sound, while the G Pro Brown gives a slightly more pronounced and joyful auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the KTT F2 linear switch provides a feathery and mild typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and offering a comfortable typing feel for extended use. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, on the other hand, offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate and enhancing the typing experience with its responsive and low-impact feel. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with the F2 providing a lighter touch and the G Pro Brown offering a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT F2 linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The F2 provides a quieter and more subdued typing experience with a feathery touch, while the G Pro Brown offers a slightly more pronounced auditory feedback with an easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, but both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT F2 linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you value a distinct hollow sound signature with a lightly textured feel, along with a medium-light bottom out force for comfortable typing, the KTT F2 switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump, a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting, and a medium bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing experience preferences and whether you prioritize sound, feel, or visual aesthetics in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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