Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. KTT Hyacinth

Overview

Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Hyacinth, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features catered to different typing preferences. The G Pro Brown is a tactile switch that provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, perfect for those who appreciate a gentle bump without interrupting their typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, this switch enhances the RGB lighting experience, creating a visually immersive typing session. It also offers a medium-high pitch that adds an extra layer of satisfaction to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch stands out with its 3.5mm travel distance, designed to avoid the common issue of hard bottoming-out experienced with longer stem switches. This commitment to user comfort is further enhanced by its preference for a single-stage elongated spring, providing a more consistent force curve. While the G Pro Brown offers ease of pressing and a mild feel, the Hyacinth provides a neutral touch and a silky experience. However, let's dive deeper into these switches to help you decide which one is the best fit for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Hyacinth both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This choice creates a similar result for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it the ideal choice for users who plan to use RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches when illuminated.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Hyacinth employ nylon as the material. This material brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when using either switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a satisfying tactile experience for the user.

Overall, the choice of housing materials between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Hyacinth is quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, ensuring a sharper and crisper sound profile with the added benefit of compatibility with RGB lighting. Additionally, they both employ nylon for the bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound output. While there may be slight differences in the specific feel and sound due to manufacturing variances, users can expect a comparable typing experience from both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 45 grams. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires a higher bottom out force of 63 grams whereas the Hyacinth is slightly lighter at 56 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth would be the better choice as it has a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This allows for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where prolonged usage is necessary. On the other hand, for individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its heavier actuation force and bottom out force would be more suitable. The heavier forces provide a satisfying tactile feedback and may be preferred for those who desire a more robust typing sensation.

Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Hyacinth offer distinct options in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium and medium-light categories, respectively, and can deliver reliable performance depending on the individual preferences of the user.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered to be more traditional, while 3.5mm is shallower. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become more popular in recent times, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive feel, opting for the switch with the shorter 3.5mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on the keys, the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its longer 4mm travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is best described as having a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. This adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth is described as having a neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate sound experience that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.

Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for being easy to press. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, they are described as having a mild typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. The G Pro 3.0 Brown also has a stepped feel, meaning it has a tactile sensation that feels like it has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth is described as silky in terms of feel. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is considered to have a subtle typing experience, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light feel. The sound signature of the Hyacinth is also described as not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.

Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Hyacinth switches offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound, while the Hyacinth offers a silky and smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is easy to press, with a mild and stepped feel, while the Hyacinth has a subtle and gentle resistance, creating a light typing feel. Both switches prioritize user comfort and aim to strike a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and overall typing satisfaction. If you are looking for a similar typing experience, you can expect to achieve comparable results with either switch based on their shared qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 brown tactile switch is a great choice if you prioritize a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams and a delightful and subtle tactile sensation. These switches offer a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow, along with a frosted light diffuser that enhances the brightness of your RGB lighting. The medium-high pitch of the G Pro brown also adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions.

On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 56 grams and a design that minimizes the hard bottoming-out experience, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the way to go. The 3.5mm travel distance and the single-stage elongated spring contribute to a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort.

In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 brown is described as quiet, while the Hyacinth is described as a neutral switch suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 brown offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, with a stepped feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth provides a silky and subtle typing experience, with minimal resistance and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces.

Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 brown and the KTT Hyacinth will depend on your preference for bottom-out force, tactile sensation, auditory feedback, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more