HMX EMO vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the HMX EMO and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, both linear switches. The HMX EMO is known for its lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is praised for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing feel. While the EMO is exceptionally factory-lubed, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is categorized as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, their translucent nature makes them ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this common feature, the EMO's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing.
Despite their similarities in the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing, the HMX EMO and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow differ in their bottom housing material. The EMO utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the switch's sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound when typing. The difference in bottom housing materials showcases how each switch can offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of housing materials used.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the EMO's nylon bottom housing provides a distinct sound compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing. This demonstrates how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall feel and sound of mechanical keyboards, offering enthusiasts a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter in both categories. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel compared to the EMO. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the EMO would be the preferable choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a heavier push feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX EMO. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches offer a different feel due to their varying travel distances, but ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference for typing or gaming.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX EMO switch offers a more subdued and clacky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch produces a higher-pitched and resonant sound when pressed, giving a crisp and sharp auditory experience. The choice between the two switches in terms of sound will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch provides a lively and bouncy typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering a smooth and effortless keypress. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a satisfying feel while typing, with the main difference lying in the level of smoothness and bounciness during keypresses.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The EMO switch is best known for its clacky and bouncy feel with a more subdued sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is praised for its polished and creamy feel with a higher-pitched and resonant sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. Both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a feather-light 46g bottom-out force with a lively and clacky typing feel, along with a smooth and bouncy experience, then the HMX EMO switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy 67g bottom-out force with a higher pitched and clacky sound profile, along with a polished and creamy typing feel, then the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing style and preference for sound and feel.
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