HMX Canglan V2 vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer unique sensations and characteristics tailored to their typing style. The HMX Canglan V2 is an excellent choice for those who crave a thocky, deep sound signature combined with a smooth and light keystroke, making it particularly satisfying for users who appreciate both auditory and tactile feedback. Its meticulous construction and improved molding techniques provide a premium feel that HMX enthusiasts have eagerly awaited. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White appeals to those who prioritize effortless typing with its remarkably light actuation force of just 38g, ideal for delicate typists seeking a seamless typing experience. Notably, the G Pro White switch enhances RGB lighting effects and offers a pleasing auditory profile without a hefty price tag, making it a budget-friendly option. While both switches have their distinct advantages—ranging from the Canglan V2's rich sound to the G Pro's ease of use—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches exhibit significant differences that ultimately influence their overall performance and sound profiles. The Canglan V2 employs a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer composition; this enables nylon to absorb a considerable amount of sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness and transparency. This material choice contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for clarity and resonance. As a result, both switches produce different acoustic characteristics, with the Canglan V2 leaning towards a warmer sound, whereas the G Pro 3.0 White offers a more pronounced crispness.
Interestingly, both switches share the same bottom housing material—nylon—which creates a unified experience at that level, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of each press. Given that the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, users of both switches will experience similar auditory feedback when bottoming out. This shared characteristic means that beneath the key press, the experience becomes more aligned, allowing for flatter comparisons regarding tactile feedback, despite the top housing's disparate materials delivering different sound profiles.
In summary, while the HMX Canglan V2 and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, their top housings diverge significantly—nylon for the Canglan V2 and polycarbonate for the G Pro 3.0 White. This divergence results in contrasting auditory experiences when engaging with the switches, shaping the overall typing experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the bottom-out effect remains similar across both switch types. Thus, users can expect some harmonic similarities alongside distinct tonal differences, illustrating how housing materials play a critical role in defining keyboard dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, both are categorized as light switches, but they exhibit slight differences in their force measurements. The Canglan V2 has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 White features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 White the lighter option overall, as both its actuation and bottom out forces are lower than those of the Canglan V2. Users who prefer lighter switches might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 for a more effortless typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, those who appreciate a firmer feel might still find the Canglan V2 appealing due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offering a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a light tactile experience, but with the G Pro 3.0 White allowing for an even lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Canglan V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 White measures at 4 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 the shorter option, offering a more responsive experience that is favored by gamers who seek quicker actuation. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users may prefer for a comfortable typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches may depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more substantial feel, with the Canglan V2 appealing to those who value speed and the G Pro 3.0 White catering to users who appreciate deeper travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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.
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 HMX Canglan V2 linear switch provides a deep, thocky auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for its rich and satisfying quality. This fuller, more resonant sound can create a more immersive typing atmosphere, making it pleasurable for those who enjoy that particular auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch presents a more versatile sound profile that can be described as clacky, neutral, or subdued. The sharper and brighter sound offers an appealing crispness, while the subdued quality makes it less intrusive in shared environments, making it an excellent choice for quiet settings.
When discussing the feel of the switches, the Canglan V2 offers a smooth and light typing experience that is likely designed for comfortable usage over extended periods. However, the specific descriptor of this feel was not detailed. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White is characterized by its creamy and feathery typing feel, which means it offers an incredibly smooth and buttery experience with minimal resistance. This light actuation force enhances the overall comfort, allowing for effortless key presses that reduce finger fatigue, making it an ideal choice for both gaming and prolonged typing tasks.
In conclusion, while the HMX Canglan V2 and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switches differ in their sound profiles—with the former delivering a deeper, thocky sound and the latter providing a lighter and crisper auditory experience—they both aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique characteristics. The feel of the Canglan V2, although not detailed, is expected to be light and smooth, aligning with the effortlessness offered by the G Pro 3.0 White. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding sound aesthetics and specific tactile experiences, but both switches promise an enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch primarily depends on your personal preference regarding sound, feel, and intended use. If you lean towards a deeper, thocky sound profile and enjoy a smooth typing experience, the Canglan V2 is your best bet, especially if you appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback during your keystrokes. Its light actuation force of 48 grams makes it ideal for leisurely typing or gaming sessions without causing finger fatigue. Alternatively, if you prioritize a lightweight feel with an incredibly easy actuation force of just 38 grams, and you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the G Pro 3.0 White is an excellent choice. Its clacky auditory feedback adds a fun aspect to typing while being suitable for various environments, including shared spaces. Overall, consider what aspects of sound and feel are most important to you, and this will guide your choice between these two exceptional switches.
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