HMX EMO vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch. The HMX EMO switch is known for its lively and clacky feel, offering a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that provides a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown from Gateron's budget-friendly series offers a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump, allowing for a smooth typing flow without overpowering feedback. While the EMO switch provides an effortless and smooth typing experience, the G Pro Brown ensures a delightful auditory and visual experience with its medium-high pitch and frosted light diffuser. Each switch has its own unique qualities and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share similar characteristics in their top housings, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The EMO utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile like the EMO.
Despite both switches having different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall feel and sound of the switches will be a combination of the qualities offered by both materials. When typing on these switches, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing material, emphasizing the qualities of the nylon housing in both the EMO and G Pro 3.0 Brown. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the polycarbonate top housing in both switches, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound. While the materials used in the top and bottom housings vary, the end result in typing experience may not differ significantly due to the harmonious blend of characteristics from both materials in each switch.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp and resonant sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. The use of nylon in the bottom housings of both switches offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Although the top and bottom housing materials may impact the sound and feel of the switches differently, the combination of these materials ultimately results in a balanced typing experience for users of both the EMO and G Pro 3.0 Brown.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is evident that there is a difference in weight between the two. The EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. 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 substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. The lighter actuation force of the EMO allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or gaming, while the heavier forces of the G Pro 3.0 Brown cater to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quick response times, while the G Pro's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for typists who prefer a deeper keystroke. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for responsiveness or depth. Ultimately, users can expect different typing experiences with the HMX EMO and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown due to their distinct travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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 EMO linear switch is known for its lively, clacky sound while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offers a medium-high pitch that adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing experience. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the EMO offering a more pronounced and bouncier sound compared to the G Pro Brown's subtle and pleasant tone.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch provides a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is smooth and satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience with a gentle bump that doesn't overpower your typing flow. The G Pro Brown switches also have a stepped feel, providing a more subdued tactile sensation compared to other tactile switches.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a livelier and clackier sound along with a feather-light bottom-out force, the G Pro Brown switch offers a medium-high pitch sound and a subtle tactile sensation with an easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, with both switches offering a high-quality typing experience that can elevate your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a light typing experience with a clacky feel and a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, then the HMX EMO switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile sensation with a medium bottom-out force of 63g, along with an easy-to-press and mild typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch would be the better option. Both switches offer excellent qualities, so ultimately, the decision comes down to the type of typing experience you are seeking.
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