HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red both offer unique advantages, appealing to different preferences and priorities. The HMX Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its luxurious sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and specialized Ly stem. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize auditory feedback and a premium feel during their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is a budget-friendly option that still delivers a smooth, satisfying typing experience. With its medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease, making it ideal for both casual users and gamers looking for quick, unhindered key presses. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances vibrant RGB lighting effects, appealing to aesthetic-conscious typists. While both switches have their merits—ranging from the Deep Navy's rich sound to the G Pro Red's affordability—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches exhibit notable differences in their construction, which significantly affects their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The HMX Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, known for its softer and more absorbent qualities. This material allows for a fuller, deeper sound profile that is often perceived as warmer and more rounded when typing. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is much stiffer and produces a brighter, sharper sound. Polycarbonate’s rigidity results in a more resonant and crisp auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for users seeking a keystroke with enhanced audibility—especially when RGB lighting is utilized due to its translucent properties.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a point of convergence. Both the Deep Navy and the G Pro 3.0 Red utilize nylon for their bottom housings, reinforcing the characteristic sound profile inherent to this material. As nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, both switches will deliver a deep and full auditory response at the point of bottoming out. This shared composition of the bottom housing ensures that regardless of the differences in the top housing, users will still experience a similar tactile and acoustic response as they press down on the keys. Thus, the nylon bottom housing acts as a common thread, contributing to a consistent foundational feel between the two switches.
While the distinct top housing materials create unique sound profiles for the HMX Deep Navy and the G Pro 3.0 Red, the nylon bottom housing provides a bridge between their auditory experiences. The nylon in both switches guarantees that users enjoy a full sound upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate's crispness in the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a brighter sound when key releases are considered. Therefore, the overall typing experience will be a blend of the deeper tones from the nylon bottom housing and the varying auditory characteristics brought about by their respective top housing materials. For those who appreciate both aspects, choosing between the two ultimately comes down to a preference for deeper sound with the Deep Navy or the sharper resonance of the G Pro 3.0 Red.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, we see a distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Deep Navy the lighter option overall, ideal for users who may need to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its higher resistance, provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. While both switches are considered light in general terms, the difference in their actuation and bottom out forces can significantly affect user preference and comfort based on individual typing styles.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the HMX Deep Navy is the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers might favor for quicker reaction times. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional keystroke experience, which some users may prefer for a fuller, more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: if you prefer a snappier response, the Deep Navy is the better option, while if you enjoy a deeper keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 Red may suit you better.
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 Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is recognized for its rich and sharp sound profile, which is a result of its full nylon construction. This material contributes to a more pronounced auditory experience, making each keystroke feel more immersive and engaging. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red features a neutral sound profile that is moderate in pitch. The sound is versatile enough for both beginner and advanced users, making it suitable for various environments—whether you're using it at home or in an office setting. While the Deep Navy might provide a more distinct auditory character, the G Pro 3.0 Red’s sound is balanced, appealing to those who prefer a less intrusive acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by its silky smoothness, attributed to the design of the Ly stem. This gives every key press a luxurious and fluid sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, thanks to its well-crafted internal components and potentially factory lubrication. The combination of these qualities suggests that users will experience effortless keystrokes that glide seamlessly under their fingers. Both switches provide a smooth and refined sensation; however, the Deep Navy's construction might edge out slightly in terms of luxurious feel due to its unique design elements.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches share a dedication to delivering a smooth typing experience, they cater to slightly different preferences when it comes to sound and tactile feedback. The Deep Navy is more pronounced and immersive in sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a balanced and moderate auditory experience. In terms of feel, both provide silky smoothness, though the Deep Navy may offer a richer sensation. Users looking for a similar typing experience will find common ground between these two switches, although individual preferences may lead them to favor one over the other based on sound and tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smoother and quieter typing experience with a rich auditory profile, the Deep Navy might be the right choice for you. Its lighter actuation at 45 grams offers an effortless keystroke, making it an appealing option for long typing sessions, whether you're writing or coding. Additionally, the silky nature of the Deep Navy's Ly stem ensures that each keypress feels luxurious and responsive, which could enhance your productivity and enjoyment. Conversely, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still provides a high-quality typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red with its slightly heavier actuation of 50 grams might suit you better. It strikes a balance between performance and comfort, boasting a creamy feel that is friendly to both beginners and experienced typists alike. Plus, if vibrant RGB lighting is essential for your setup, the G Pro Red's frosted diffuser allows for vivid backlighting, adding to the visual aesthetics of your keyboard. Thus, your choice should reflect what you value most: the exquisite sound and feel of the Deep Navy or the versatile performance and affordability of the G Pro 3.0 Red.
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