HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black

Overview

When exploring mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your overall typing experience, and two linear options worth considering are the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black. The HMX Deep Navy switch stands out for its rich auditory profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile yet smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch is recognized as the heaviest in the G Pro series, delivering a more substantive typing feel with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, all while maintaining a medium-high pitch sound. This switch provides a balanced, robust experience, particularly well-suited for typists who prefer a firmer feedback. Each switch offers a unique combination of auditory and tactile sensations, catering to different preferences among users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, a notable distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Deep Navy employs a nylon material, revered for its ability to create a deeper, rounder sound profile characterized by its absorptive qualities. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a fuller auditory experience when typing, dampening the harsher tones typically associated with harder plastics. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend, which produces a higher-pitched, clackier sound that can be quite satisfying for users. This contrast in sound profiles indicates that users favor varying auditory feedback depending on the material used for the top housing, with the nylon delivering a more mellow response compared to the sharper tones of the INK blend.

Shifting to the bottom housing, both switches showcase distinct material choices that further influence their sound and feel. The Deep Navy's bottom housing maintains the use of nylon, eliciting a sound profile that mirrors its top counterpart—deeper and more muted. This cohesive use of material creates a consistent auditory experience throughout the switch. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black incorporates POM (polyoxymethylene) for its bottom housing, which is known for its unique sound that is also on the deeper side but provides a distinct tonality compared to nylon. While the POM material contributes to a pleasant but slightly muted sound profile, it enhances the overall character of the switch, striking a balance between the sharpness of the top housing and the muted qualities of the bottom.

In summarizing these comparisons, one can see that while the HMX Deep Navy leans towards a cohesive nylon sound experience from top to bottom, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black presents a more varied sound profile that emphasizes the stark differences in the materials used. Ultimately, users looking for a cohesive, fuller sound may gravitate towards the Deep Navy, whereas those who prefer a crisper, more dynamic auditory feedback might find the G Pro 3.0 Black more appealing. Despite their different materials, either switch still provides satisfying typing experiences; the sound variations are part of what creates the unique character of each switch, highlighting that the choice between them will significantly impact the user's tactile and auditory interaction with the keyboard.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The HMX Deep Navy features a lightweight actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more effortless typing experience during extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch presents a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to users who prefer a firmer push and a more substantial tactile feel. This means that while the Deep Navy is lighter and ideal for prolonged use, the G Pro 3.0 Black is heavier, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger feedback while typing. Overall, the choices between these switches ultimately depend on the typing experience one desires, either opt for the lighter Deep Navy or the more robust G Pro 3.0 Black.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it is evident that the two have different characteristics that cater to varied preferences. The Deep Navy switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the G Pro 3.0 Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional. This difference means that users who favor quicker response times may find the HMX Deep Navy more suitable, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth and tactile feedback might prefer the G Pro 3.0 Black due to its longer travel distance. Thus, while both switches serve different user needs, the choice ultimately hinges on whether one prioritizes speed or depth in their typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by its rich and sharp quality, enhanced by the full nylon construction that contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback. This switch may provide a unique acoustic experience that engages users and adds personality to their typing. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black presents a medium-high pitch, which results in a sound that can be described as both clacky and subdued. Its sharper, crisper note contrasts with the more muted qualities of other switches, striking a balance that caters to users who appreciate a lively yet controlled auditory experience. Both switches showcase notable sound characteristics, albeit leaning in different acoustic directions depending on personal preference.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Deep Navy is known for its overall smoothness, providing a gliding sensation with every keystroke, although specific descriptors of its texture are not provided. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 Black excels with a creamy and silky typing experience, resulting from either factory lubrication or high-quality materials. This switch combines a buttery smoothness and gentle resistance, which many typists find appealing, particularly in longer typing sessions. For those who prized a more grounded and heavier feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black’s substantial actuation force of 60g and bottom-out force of 70g offers a noticeable tactile depth that contrasts the more fluid experience of the Deep Navy switch, although both can deliver comfort during use.

In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switches might differ in their sound profiles—with one leaning towards a richer acoustic experience and the other offering a livelier yet subdued sound—they both provide enjoyable typing experiences. The feel of the Deep Navy, characterized as smooth, pairs well with the creamy and silky qualities of the G Pro 3.0, catering to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these two will come down to personal taste regarding sound and tactile feedback, making either option a worthy addition to a mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, your typing preferences and environment play essential roles. If you enjoy a lighter and smoother feel, coupled with a rich auditory experience, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate the combination of soft actuation and a silky sensation on every keystroke. Its nylon construction also contributes to a more nuanced sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a satisfying yet not overwhelming keyboard experience in quieter settings. On the other hand, if you prefer more substantial feedback with a medium-heavy force that offers a balanced and creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black is your best bet. The sharper sound and the enhanced RGB lighting effects from the frosted light diffuser make it especially appealing for gamers and those who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback as they type. Ultimately, your choice should align with your tactile preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard, ensuring a personalized typing experience that brings you joy and efficiency.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more