HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves considering various factors such as sound profile, feel, and overall performance. The HMX Deep Navy switch stands out with its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to a full nylon construction and a specialized Ly stem design, making it ideal for those seeking a premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is celebrated for its excellent value, offering a higher-pitched clacky sound and a bouncy feel that appeals to users looking for an engaging yet budget-friendly option. While the Deep Navy caters to those who prioritize build quality and smooth keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow exemplifies accessible performance that doesn’t compromise on sound and tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilize differing top housing materials, creating notable contrasts in their acoustic profiles. The Deep Navy employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances resonance, resulting in a clearer sound when keys are released. Thus, while one switch delivers a more muted auditory experience, the other offers a lively and pronounced sound, reflecting their distinct material properties.
When considering the bottom housing, both the Deep Navy and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilize nylon, unifying their sound profiles in one aspect. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller feel, reflecting the material's inherent qualities that absorb sound more efficiently than plastic alternatives. This means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches share a commonality in sound signature when it comes to the bottom-out experience due to their use of nylon in the lower section. As a result, users will notice a similar sound and feeling when they bottom out on either switch, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in determining the overall typing experience.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials shapes the overall auditory and tactile experience of the switches. While the Deep Navy provides a softer, rounder sound profile through its nylon top, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow’s polycarbonate top offers a sharper clarity upon key release. However, both switches retain a similar feel at the bottom-out due to the shared nylon composition in their bottom housings. Therefore, while the upper and lower sections create distinct sound profiles when keying in, the consistent bottom housing ensures that users will still find comparable auditory elements when fully engaging either switch. This blend of differing and similar materials ultimately allows enthusiasts to enjoy the benefits of both sound qualities and tactile feedback depending on which component they are engaging.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during long work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a considerably higher bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. This distinction indicates that the HMX Deep Navy switch is better suited for individuals seeking comfort with less effort, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may appeal to users who prefer a firmer and more tactile feedback. Overall, the Deep Navy switch is the lighter option, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, the Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive and suited for gamers who favor quicker keypresses. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced key feel and deeper feedback. If one finds shorter travel distances too abrupt, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow could provide a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch boasts a rich and sharp sound profile, enhanced by its full nylon construction, which contributes to a distinct auditory experience. Users can expect a deep, resonant sound that adds an immersive quality to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is characterized by a high-pitched clacky sound, producing a crisp and clean noise upon each press. This higher-pitched resonance is ideal for users who prefer a less bass-heavy auditory experience and offers a bright sound that is quite engaging. Both switches will produce different auditory characteristics, and the specific sound experience may vary based on the keyboard they are used with and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is designed to provide a silky smooth typing experience, delivering a pleasurable sensation as fingers glide across the keys. This smoothness is a hallmark of high-quality linear switches, leading to an enjoyable typing rhythm. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polished and creamy feel, allowing for reduced friction and a refined experience. This buttery smooth sensation is facilitated by either the materials used in its construction or factory lubing, resulting in a seamless typing action that many users appreciate. While the Deep Navy emphasizes a smooth glide, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow combines this with a more pronounced creamy texture, catering to preferences for a lightly bouncy feel during typing.
In summary, the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Deep Navy delivers a rich, resonant sound and a silky smooth feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow presents a bright, clacky sound coupled with a polished and creamy typing experience. For those who appreciate smooth keystrokes but have differing audio preferences, both switches provide enjoyable experiences, albeit with nuances that may appeal to specific users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you desire a warmer, deeper sound or a brighter, crisper auditory experience alongside your preferred typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. If you appreciate a lightweight keystroke and enjoy a rich, smooth auditory experience, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams ensures that each keypress feels effortless, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where you want to minimize finger fatigue. The deep, resonant sound profile enhances the overall typing experience, appealing to those who favor a more immersive audio environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and heavier feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its 67 grams of bottom-out force, may be better suited for you. The bouncy feedback and higher-pitched, clacky sounds can energize your typing, making it feel satisfying, especially in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Deep Navy for its smoothness and immersion or the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for its bounce and crispness, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
