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Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. KTT Pine

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

Overview

Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Pine mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options in the world of gaming and typing. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for its exceptional value and quality, providing an economical solution without sacrificing performance. With a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, this switch offers a gentle bump that enhances your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser ensures vibrant RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience, while the medium-high pitch delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, we have the KTT Pine Linear Switches, which prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience. With a medium-heavy weight and a buttery smooth feel, these switches make typing a breeze. The polished and factory-lubed finish minimizes friction, resulting in seamless key travel. Known for their creamy, low-pitched sound, the Pine switches offer a different auditory experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

55g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

63g

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

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring

Spring

15.5mm gold-plated spring

Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Pine both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice of material leads to a sharer, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality in their mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, adding to the visual appeal of the keyboard. Therefore, whether it's the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Pine, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housing.

While the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a nylon bottom housing, the Pine opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer keyboards with a more muted sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Pine contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiffer and enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Consequently, users can choose between the G Pro 3.0 Brown for a deeper sound or the Pine for a sharper sound when it comes to the bottom-out experience.

When comparing the top and bottom housings, it's important to understand their respective impacts on the sound and feel of the keyboard. The bottom housing has a more prominent influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, for users who prioritize the tactile feedback upon keystrokes, such as the sensation of reaching the bottom of a key, the choice of bottom housing material becomes crucial. Conversely, the top housing is more influential in the sound that is produced when releasing a key after being pressed. Depending on personal preferences, users may lean towards keyboards with different top housing materials to achieve their desired sound profile upon key release. Whether it is the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Pine, the distinction between their top and bottom housings allows for customizable sound experiences to cater to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, some similarities and differences can be observed. In terms of actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the KTT Pine needs a slightly lighter touch of 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation force.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 63 grams of force to fully press a key, while the KTT Pine comes in at a slightly lighter 58 grams. Again, both switches are in the medium range.

Considering the weight aspect, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown feels slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the KTT Pine. Some individuals may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for a more substantial typing experience, as the higher forces give a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine's lighter actuation and bottom out forces might be favored by those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods.

Overall, while there are slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, both switches offer a medium typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding the desired force required for typing and the length of typing sessions or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent and similar experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing a key. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Pine, you can expect the keys to feel responsive and provide a satisfying amount of travel distance. As both switches have the same 4 mm travel distance, there is no notable difference in this aspect between the two.

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 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

In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. While the exact sound profile of the G Pro Brown switch is not explicitly mentioned, it is described as adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's board and keycaps used. Overall, the G Pro Brown switch provides a medium-high-pitched sound, while the Pine switch offers a bassier and lower-pitched sound.

As for the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. These switches have a mild tactile sensation, providing an approachable and low-impact typing experience. The G Pro Brown switch is also described as having a stepped feel, meaning that it has two stages of actuation with pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. These switches are built for an effortless typing experience, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Overall, the G Pro Brown switch gives a gentle and low-impact feel with a stepped sensation, while the Pine switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro Brown switch delivers a medium-high-pitched sound that adds joy to typing sessions, and it offers an easy-to-press and stepped feel for a responsive and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch provides a bassier and lower-pitched sound with a buttery and creamy feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. While these switches have their unique qualities, it is important to consider other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also impact the overall sound and feel. Whether you choose the G Pro Brown or the Pine switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel based on the provided information.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, providing a gentle bump that won't interrupt your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. With a medium-high pitch and satisfying auditory feedback, the G Pro Brown adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch would be the ideal option. These medium-heavy switches are buttery smooth, thanks to their polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. They offer a seamless, uniform typing sensation that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Moreover, the Pine switches provide a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, adding depth and richness to your typing experience.

Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Pine linear switch will depend on your preferences. If you value a gentle tactile bump, immersive RGB lighting, and a satisfying auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine switches will be the perfect fit for you.

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