Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Lucky present two compelling options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out as the heaviest switch in the G Pro series, boasting a 60g actuation force and a 70g bottom-out force that delivers a more substantial and tactile feel, perfect for users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, creating a stunning visual effect on your keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches offer a lighter touch with a softer and glittery nylon housing, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ideal for users seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience. While both are linear switches, with their unique characteristics and appeal, the choice really comes down to individual preference. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Lucky, it becomes evident that the differences in their construction significantly impact their sound profiles and typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend plastic for its top housing, which offers a pointed, high-pitched sound that many users characterize as “clacky.” This sound result stems mainly from the unique properties of INK blend, which helps to create a thinner audio signature that bounces off the keys. In contrast, the HMX Lucky opts for a nylon top housing, which is well-known for its ability to produce deeper, fuller sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder typing experience, which caters to those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback.
Looking deeper into the bottom housing, both switches continue to exhibit differences reflective of their material choices. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes POM for its bottom housing, well-regarded for creating a more muted and deeper sound profile. POM's unique qualities help enhance the muted characteristics during typing, making it particularly pleasing to users seeking a balance between resonance and softness. Conversely, the HMX Lucky employs nylon for its bottom housing as well. This adds to its overall signature sound, as nylon's acoustic dampening adds a rounder tone to the typing experience. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a higher-pitched auditory profile with its POM bottom, the nylon in the Lucky promotes a richer and deeper acoustic feedback.
In essence, while each switch utilizes a different composition for their top housings (INK blend versus nylon), they align on a similar material for their bottom housings, both opting for nylon in the case of the Lucky. This convergence means that when pressing down, users will notice the influence of its composite on the bottom-out sound and tactile feeling, with the G Pro 3.0 Black providing a more distinct tonal quality due to its POM. However, involving nylon in both designs allows for a certain level of shared auditory experience upon releasing the keys, as the common material attributes will yield a dimmed sound profile when letting go of a key. Thus, while the variations in top housing materials create distinct sound signatures during typing, the similarities in bottom materials ensure that users can experience some commonalities in sound as well.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that delivers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch boasts a notably lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This significant difference means the Lucky switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter feel, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. Consequently, while the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a firmer touch, ideal for users who enjoy a stronger push feel, the HMX Lucky caters to those seeking ease and comfort with lighter actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lucky features a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference of 0.2 mm may seem slight, but it can influence the overall typing experience. With the G Pro 3.0 Black's traditional longer travel distance, users may find it more satisfying for a deeper, more tactile feel, which some may prefer to avoid the abruptness associated with shorter switches. Conversely, the HMX Lucky's 3.8 mm travel distance aligns with the newer trend of shorter distances favored by gamers, who often value quicker response times. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for depth and responsiveness.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 presents a dual auditory experience that can be attributed to its characteristics. It provides a medium-high pitch that could be classified as both clacky and subdued, producing sharp and snappy feedback while maintaining a dampened quality that adds to its versatility. This makes it suitable for both personal and professional environments where a balance between audibility and subtlety is appreciated. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch lacks specific sound descriptors, leaving its acoustic profile unknown. Therefore, anyone interested in the auditory characteristics of the Lucky switch may need to explore it further or rely on external reviews.
In terms of tactile feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black excels with descriptors like creamy, silky, and subtle, offering a typing experience that is remarkably smooth and pleasant. The careful design of these switches allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys, creating a typing sensation that minimizes resistance. This buttery feel encourages prolonged typing sessions without discomfort. The HMX Lucky switch, however, does not have described tactile qualities in the provided information, so it's unclear how it compares to the G Pro 3.0 Black in this regard. A potential user may need to experiment with the Lucky switch to discover its unique feel.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch stands out with its defined sound profile and exceptional tactile experience, making it a compelling choice for those who prioritize a robust typing feel and moderate audibility. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch leaves quite a bit to be desired in terms of the information available, particularly regarding sound and feel. Ultimately, if you seek a more tactile and auditory experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black will deliver predictably satisfying results. However, if you remain curious about the Lucky switch, you may need a hands-on approach to fully gauge its performance and qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them play crucial roles. If you appreciate a more substantial tactile experience and need a switch that can withstand heavy typing without feeling fatigued, the G Pro 3.0 Black is an excellent choice, especially with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams and creamy, silky feel. This switch not only delivers satisfying feedback but also produces a clacky yet subdued sound, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks where clarity and responsiveness matter. Conversely, if you favor a lighter touch with a refreshing typing experience, the HMX Lucky switch might be your go-to option. With a light 43-gram bottom-out force, these switches provide a neutral and deeply satisfying sensation, ideal if you seek comfort for extended typing sessions or prefer a quieter ambiance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a more responsive and tactile experience or a weightless, effortless keystroke, ensuring your keyboard feels just right for you.
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