Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Pine, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The G Pro 3.0 White, hailing from Gateron's G Pro series, is renowned for its budget-friendly nature. With an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, this switch is perfect for those seeking effortless and sensitive keystrokes. Its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, we have the KTT Pine, a translucent and forest green switch designed for a smooth and effortless typing experience. With a medium-heavy weight, buttery smoothness, and a polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine switch minimizes friction and ensures smooth key travel. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Feathery', the G Pro 3.0 White offers a premium typing feel without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, the Pine switch, categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched', delivers a subtle and subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the most informed decision on which switch suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Pine, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Thus, users can expect similar audio and visual experiences from the top housings of both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a significant difference between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 White employs nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Pine uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This choice maintains a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with a sharper and clearer tone overall.
Considering the impact on sound and feel, pressing down on both switches will primarily reveal the qualities of their respective bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller experience. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to the overall clarity and resonance of the switch. As for the sound when releasing a key, the top housing will have a more significant influence, resulting in a sharp and distinctive sound on both switches.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Pine share polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, their bottom housings differ significantly. The G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent sharp and clear tone. Pressing down on the switches will highlight the bottom housing's impact, while releasing a key will emphasize the qualities of the top housing. Overall, both switches provide unique acoustic experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 White leaning towards a fuller sound and the Pine emphasizing sharpness and clarity.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, meaning it requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Pine's actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Pine's heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White offers a lighter and more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Pine provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, making it ideal for users who prefer a heavier key press. Despite this contrast, both switches offer a satisfying keystroke, although the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter in comparison to the Pine's medium weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 White or the Pine, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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 White switch is described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a sharp and snappy sound. It can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is described as having a bassy sound profile. It offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It has a lower frequency range, resulting in a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as offering a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. These qualities indicate that the switch provides a smooth and buttery typing sensation. It has a light actuation force of only 38g, making it easy to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch offers a low-impact and comfortable typing feel. It is smooth, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The typing experience is characterized by a gentle, yet approachable resistance. Similarly, the KTT Pine switch is described as providing a buttery and creamy typing experience. It offers a smooth, fluid, and uniform keystroke experience. This suggests that the switch also provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with a silky feeling as fingers glide across the keys.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White switch has a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. The KTT Pine switch, on the other hand, has a bassy sound profile, featuring a deeper and richer sound during key presses. It offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their respective qualities. With similar subjective qualities, users can expect comparable results when it comes to sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist looking for a budget-friendly option with a light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be a great choice. Its 45g bottom out force ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes, while the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting. The G Pro 3.0 White also offers a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch. Additionally, it has a neutral sound profile and provides a range of descriptors such as clacky, neutral, and subdued. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that provides a rich and bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine linear switch would be a suitable option. With its 58g bottom out force, the Pine switch offers a polished and factory-lubed finish for smooth key travel, minimizing friction. The Pine's sound profile is characterized as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and mellow tone during key presses. As for its feel, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Pine linear switch comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a lightweight and budget-friendly option with a neutral sound profile and a range of feel descriptors, the G Pro 3.0 White is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a rich and bassy sound profile, along with a buttery and creamy feel, the KTT Pine switch would be a suitable option. With these guidelines, you can make an informed decision based on your typing preferences.
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