HMX Cheese vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the HMX Cheese and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are in a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its budget-friendly excellence, providing a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing feel. Categorized as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a unique typing experience at an affordable price point. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Ly
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, we can see that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound for both switches, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound. However, the Cheese's top housing is made of nylon, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow uses polycarbonate, resulting in a difference in sound profile between the two switches.
On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cheese's nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making the G Pro 3.0 Yellow ideal for users who prefer a more distinct sound while typing. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's clear polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the Cheese's nylon top housing may provide a softer and less defined sound, making it a better choice for those looking for a more muffled typing experience.
In terms of performance, the choice between the HMX Cheese and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The bottom housing of both switches being made of nylon ensures a consistent deep and fuller sound when typing, while the difference in top housing material introduces variation in sound characteristics. Whether you prefer the duller and rounder sound of nylon in both top and bottom housings, or the sharper and crisper sound produced by polycarbonate in the top housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, it's a matter of individual preference when selecting between the two switches based on the sound profile and aesthetics that best suit your typing style.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch. The Cheese requires 43 grams of force to actuate and 46 grams to bottom out, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow needs 50 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out. The lighter actuation force of the Cheese may be preferred by those who type or game for extended periods, as it requires less effort to press the keys. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Cheese has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. The Cheese offers a quicker keypress response due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for speed and precision. However, some may find the shorter travel distance of the Cheese to feel abrupt. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional keypress depth, which some users may find more comfortable for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 Cheese switch is best known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crisp sound profile, offering a unique and lighter sound compared to the majority of switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is characterized by a higher-pitched clacky sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Cheese switch being more on the lighter side and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch delivering a bouncier type of sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness, offering a pristine typing experience. While the specific feel of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is not mentioned, it is described as budget-friendly, indicating a decent typing experience without the premium price tag. Looking at descriptors like "polished" and "creamy" for the feel of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch, it can be inferred that the switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience, possibly due to factory lubing or specific materials used.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese switch stands out for its unique sound profile and smooth typing experience, making it a great option for those seeking a lighter sound and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a higher-pitched sound and possibly a polished and creamy feel, providing a different typing experience that caters to budget-conscious users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both switches offering their own set of qualities for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, consider the bottom out force and the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and crisp typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky sound, then the HMX Cheese switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a higher-pitched sound profile and a bouncy typing feel, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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