HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Deep Navy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and rich sound profile, crafted from full nylon for a durable feel. For those who prefer a seamless typing experience without tactile feedback, this switch delivers an uninterrupted flow that's ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch designed to provide an economical yet high-quality option. Its gentle bump adds a satisfying tactile sensation while ensuring the typing flow remains smooth, making it suitable for both writing and gaming. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, offering a visually immersive experience alongside a medium-high pitch auditory feedback. Each switch presents a unique set of advantages depending on your typing style and preferences. 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
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, we notice a significant difference in their top housings. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a sound that is rounder and less resonant, contributing to a more muted auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate delivers a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a clearer auditory feedback when typing. The translucence of polycarbonate also offers aesthetic advantages, particularly for users looking to utilize RGB lighting, as the light shines through more effectively than it would through solid nylon.
In contrast, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Deep Navy and the G Pro 3.0 Brown use nylon material. This creates an interesting dynamic in the overall sound profile of these switches. Since nylon has a softer structure, it contributes to the deeper and fuller sound experience during bottoming out for both switches. Therefore, while the top housing significantly limits the types of sound you’ll experience upon releasing a key, the bottom housing ensures that both switches produce a similar auditory sensation when pressed down. This shared use of nylon for the bottom housing leads to a more consistent acoustic experience, regardless of the differences found in the top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings highlights the distinctively different sound profiles and tactile experiences offered by the Deep Navy and G Pro 3.0 Brown switches. The nylon used in both bottom housings helps maintain a common element in the overall feel and sound during key presses, which is essential for users who value that deeper feedback. However, the divergence in top materials results in distinct experiences when releasing keys; the Deep Navy yields a more subdued sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a sharper and clearer audio response. Therefore, users will choose based on their preference for sound profiles, while the harmonious use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that there’s still a degree of consistency in feel and sound under typing conditions.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom-out forces become evident. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for prolonged use, such as typing at work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom-out force of 63 grams, providing a more robust typing experience that some users may prefer. While both switches have distinguishable actuation and bottom-out forces, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is better suited for those who appreciate a tactile and more substantial push, whereas the Deep Navy caters to users seeking a lighter and more effortless keypress. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual comfort preferences regarding weight and force feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, we see a noticeable difference: the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown measures 4 mm. As a result, the Deep Navy offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced distance. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, is likely to provide a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Thus, if you lean toward responsiveness, the HMX Deep Navy would be your pick, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke might opt for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown 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 Brown 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch stands out with its rich and sharp sound profile, delivering an auditory experience that adds depth to each keystroke. The full nylon construction contributes to a solid, satisfying sound that can enhance your overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a medium-high pitch that provides gentle auditory feedback, characterized by a satisfying click that is not overly loud. This balance allows for a more subdued yet pleasant sound during use, making it less intrusive in a shared environment. Overall, while the Deep Navy delivers a more pronounced acoustic character, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more moderate sound that still creates a fulfilling typing ambiance.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is designed for silky smoothness with every key press, enhancing a fluid typing action that feels effortless. It offers a consistent linear experience that is devoid of tactile bumps, making it ideal for those who prefer a seamless keystroke without interruptions. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown features a gentle tactile bump that adds a touch of feedback without being overwhelming. This makes them easy to press and ideal for long typing sessions, as the light resistance helps reduce finger fatigue. The milder tactile sensation and the stepped characteristics of the G Pro 3.0 Brown make it suitable for users who enjoy a subtle indication of actuation while still appreciating a more balanced typing feel.
Combining all available information, the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches each cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy excels in providing a rich sound and ultra-smooth keystrokes, appealing to users who favor linear switches and an enhanced auditory experience. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 Brown strikes a balance with its tactile feedback and moderate sound profile, offering an approachable experience for typists who enjoy a slight bump without compromising on efffortlessness. While these switches offer distinctive qualities, both can cater to varied typing preferences depending on individual needs and the specific atmosphere in which they are used.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter key press that delivers a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience, the Deep Navy switch is an excellent choice for you. Its low actuation force of 45 grams makes it especially suitable for long typing sessions where you desire minimal resistance and fatigue. Additionally, if you're someone who values auditory feedback, the rich, sharp sound profile of the Deep Navy will enhance your typing experience, making it more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile sensation that provides feedback without being overwhelming, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the way to go. Its medium actuation force of 63 grams offers a comfortable balance that ensures your keystrokes are intentional without being tiring. The gentle bump and satisfying auditory click might appeal to you if you are a gamer or typist who enjoys a little extra feedback for precision. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, and the decision should align with whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel or a tactile bump that enhances typing engagement.
Mentioned in this article
