HMX Cheese vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, we see two distinct options catering to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a light actuation force and a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black by Gateron is known for providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a balanced 60g actuation force and 70g bottom-out force, accompanied by a medium-high pitch sound profile and enhanced RGB lighting effects. While the Cheese is lighter and offers a more poppy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black appeals to those seeking a more substantive and immersive typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, it is clear that they both prioritize sound profile in their designs. The Cheese's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and high-pitched sound, described as clacky and satisfying. While both materials focus on sound, they provide distinct experiences for users - one offering a deeper tone and the other a sharper, more defined sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the contrast between the Cheese's nylon bottom housing and the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing is striking. The nylon bottom housing of the Cheese contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black creates a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This demonstrates how different materials in the bottom housing can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
When considering how the top and bottom housings work together in a switch, it is evident that the qualities of each housing material play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the HMX Cheese and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black may have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both prioritize delivering a unique and satisfying sound profile for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, we can see a clear difference in weight. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, providing a gentle typing experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. The lighter actuation force of the Cheese makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier force of the G Pro 3.0 Black caters to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches provide distinct options for users based on their preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Cheese. The traditional travel distance for switches is around 4.0 mm, making the G Pro 3.0 Black more in line with this standard. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cheese for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black 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 Black for $2.77.
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
The HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a unique and lively auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch produces a medium-high pitch sound that is more subdued compared to the Cheese switch, offering a more refined and less pronounced auditory feedback. When it comes to feel, the Cheese switch delivers an unparalleled smoothness and typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a medium-heavy feel with a creamy and silky typing sensation, providing a more substantial and luxurious typing experience. Overall, the HMX Cheese switch excels in providing a lighter and livelier typing experience with its unique sound profile, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch appeals to those seeking a more substantial and refined typing experience with its medium-heavy feel and subdued sound signature. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience with a satisfyingly clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a more substantial typing experience and a medium-high pitch sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch would be a suitable option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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