Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly in terms of actuation force and tactile feedback. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is designed for those who appreciate a heavier touch; with a 60g actuation and a 70g bottom-out force, it provides a more substantial typing experience that can enhance typing accuracy for users who prefer a firmer response. Known for its medium-high pitch sound profile and visually appealing frosted light diffuser, this switch shines brightly when RGB lighting is in play, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists alike who enjoy a little flair. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel offers a medium-light actuation force that delivers an exceptionally smooth and responsive typing experience. Its lighter touch makes it ideal for fast typists and gamers who prioritize speed and agility. While both switches are linear and cater to different tactile preferences, they serve distinct needs within the mechanical keyboard community. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Gravel, notable differences emerge in the characteristics and effects each material brings to the overall sound profile of the switches. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes Gateron’s proprietary INK blend for its top housing, contributing to a pointed and high-pitched sound often described as clacky. In contrast, the HMX Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper and crisper sound profile alongside a higher-pitched timbre. Despite these differences, both materials are adept at creating bright sound characteristics, suggesting that users may still achieve a similar auditory experience in terms of clarity and resonance, albeit through different pathways—Gateron’s specific blend versus polycarbonate's inherent qualities.
The bottom housing materials of both switches further highlight their distinct auditory signatures. The G Pro 3.0 Black is equipped with a POM bottom housing, which is known for producing a unique and pleasant deeper sound that is relatively muted. On the opposite end, the HMX Gravel opts for nylon as its bottom housing material, which is celebrated for its ability to elicit a fuller and deeper sound profile. This essential difference stems from the fact that nylon is inherently softer, allowing it to absorb more sound compared to the harder POM. Consequently, while the G Pro 3.0 Black's sound is characterized by a more subdued resonance, the Gravel's nylon housing leans towards a rounder and deeper auditory experience.
In practical terms, the combination of these various housing materials in each switch ultimately splits the overall sound experience between the top and bottom housings. Users will typically feel the impact of the bottom housing attributes during keystrokes, influencing the bottom-out sensation and accompanying sound. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing greatly affect the noise produced when releasing a key. This division means that while the G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Gravel use different materials, they can still offer overlapping experiences. Each set of features allows for the design of switches that provide unique yet complementary auditory and tactile feedback, tailoring the user experience in different yet equally engaging ways.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial feeling under the fingers. In contrast, the HMX Gravel's actuation force is significantly lighter at 45 grams, with a bottom out force of just 50 grams, which allows for quicker and less strenuous keystrokes. This difference means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Gravel to be more comfortable, while those who prefer the tactile feedback of a heavier switch might gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Black. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the heavier option, whereas the HMX Gravel is the lighter choice, making the decision between them largely based on personal preference for actuation force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Gravel linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black, you will experience a deeper press for a more traditional feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key travel. Conversely, the HMX Gravel, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor a quicker response time, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking improved speed and agility in their typing or gaming experience. Therefore, the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Black may feel more comfortable for users who don’t mind a less abrupt response, while the Gravel offers a more immediate action suited for rapid keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black 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 Black for $2.77.
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch boasts a medium-high pitch, capable of producing both clacky and subdued auditory qualities. This means it can deliver a snappy, crisp sound when pressed, reminiscent of the sharper tones common in mechanical keyboards, while also allowing for a more subtle profile if dampened by other factors, like specific keycaps or the keyboard frame. However, the HMX Gravel's auditory characteristics remain unknown, so it cannot be directly compared in terms of sound. As such, if you are looking for a well-defined audio experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch stands out, while the Gravel might require further investigation or experimentation.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black provides an impressive typing experience described as creamy and silky, ensuring a notably smooth and buttery keystroke. This heavenly typing sensation is complemented by a medium-heavy actuation force, which makes it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial feel with a gentle resistance. The Gravel switch, however, is characterized by a lighter actuation force, lending itself to a responsive and effortless typing experience. While the specific tactile feedback of the Gravel is not explicitly detailed, those who favor a lighter touch may gravitate more towards it for a potentially quicker typing style. Thus, users seeking a heavier, smoother feedback will appreciate the G Pro 3.0 Black, whereas those looking for a ligther touch may prefer exploring the Gravel further.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black excites with its clear sound profile and luxurious feel, the HMX Gravel's performance remains an enigma, especially in its auditory characteristics and tactile response. The G Pro 3.0 Black excels with its medium-heavy actuation, delivering a rich typing sensation that promotes a more deliberate typing style, whereas the Gravel promises ease of use with a lighter touch—attributes which may cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. Each switch presents a unique choice for keyboard enthusiasts, where personal preference on feel and sound will ultimately guide your decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding typing force and typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier, more substantial feel while typing and appreciate the auditory feedback of a clackier sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Black will serve you well. Its medium-heavy actuation force provides tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a more deliberate typing sensation, especially if you spend long hours typing and crave a robust and satisfying feel. On the other hand, if you tend to enjoy a lighter touch and prioritize smoothness and responsiveness in your keystrokes, the HMX Gravel switch is the perfect match. With its lighter actuation force, this switch offers an effortlessly fluid typing experience, making it excellent for rapid typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired balance between typing effort and feel, ensuring that you select the switch that best complements your typing style and environment.
Mentioned in this article
