Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus present two compelling options for different types of users. The G Pro 3.0 Black, known for its substantial 60g actuation force and 70g bottom-out resistance, delivers a solid, medium-heavy typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. Its deft sound profile combines a medium-high pitch with a smooth feel, making it excellent for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid key presses without the need for excessive force. Its bright, clacky sound adds a distinctly lively character to your typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Black is ideal for those seeking a more deliberate and robust tactile feel, the Vintage Citrus excels in fast-paced scenarios where speed is critical. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus, distinct differences emerge in their sound profiles and the materials used. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, providing a sharp, high-pitched sound that is characterized as clacky. This contrasts sharply with the Vintage Citrus's nylon top housing, which promotes a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound. Thus, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is designed for users who appreciate a more pronounced, clackier typing experience, the HMX Vintage Citrus caters to those who favor a rounder, more muted auditory engagement.
Examining the bottom housings, the differences continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the overall experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black is crafted with a POM bottom housing, known for its unique ability to create a deeper and more muted sound profile. This makes the sound quality noticeably distinct, contributing to a more subdued bottom-out experience compared to the Vintage Citrus, which also employs a nylon bottom housing. Given nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, this switch offers a fuller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, the different materials for the bottom housings directly influence the bottom-out sound and feel, with the POM delivering a slightly unique auditory characteristic compared to nylon.
In summary, the synthesis of materials in these two switches illustrates how the combination of housing types can yield varied typing experiences and sound profiles. Each switch's performance is influenced by both the top and bottom housings, and since the G Pro 3.0 Black and Vintage Citrus utilize different materials for these components, users can expect distinctly different feels and sounds. However, it’s essential to note that despite their differences, both switches will provide satisfying results in their own right, appealing to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The unique properties of each housing material demonstrate how the overall typing experience can be fine-tuned based on the user's preference for sound quality and acoustics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see notable differences 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, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switches have a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, with a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing them in the medium-light range. This means that for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the better option due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Conversely, users looking for a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might gravitate toward the Vintage Citrus, which provides an easier keystroke. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the heavier switch, while the Vintage Citrus is lighter, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it more traditional and providing a deeper keypress that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, which aligns with the current trend towards more responsive switches favored by gamers who seek quicker actuation. Consequently, those who prefer a more pronounced keypress may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Black, while users looking for increased speed and efficiency may opt for the Vintage Citrus. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for either depth or 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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 offers a medium-high pitch auditory experience that can lean toward a clacky profile, producing a crisp and percussive sound with each keystroke. This can be especially rewarding for users who appreciate a more engaging auditory feedback while typing or gaming. However, it's worth mentioning that its sound profile can also be characterized as somewhat subdued, making it versatile enough for different environments. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed to provide a bright and clacky sound, which is ideal for users who favor an expressive auditory feedback during rapid inputs. Ultimately, while both switches may deliver satisfying sound experiences, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more muted yet still engaging profile compared to the more pronounced clack of the Vintage Citrus.
On the feel front, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is known for its creamy and silky typing experience. The buttery smoothness leads to an effortless glide across the keys, with just the right amount of resistance provided by its medium-heavy actuation force. This makes it suitable for both gaming and typing scenarios, balancing comfort and performance. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus, designed specifically for rapid-fire inputs, is likely to provide a unique tactile feel that supports quick keystrokes, although the exact feel qualities are not specified. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Black promotes a smooth, luxurious experience, the precise typing sensation of the Vintage Citrus remains an intriguing mystery, with potential focus on speed and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus switch have unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a balanced sound profile and a notably smooth feel, making it perfect for users who enjoy a premium typing experience without being overly noisy. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus excels in speed with its clacky sound and potentially rapid-response feel, making it attractive for competitive gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, but both hold the promise of enhancing the overall typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming habits. If you prefer a more substantial feel and appreciate a heavier bottom-out force that provides tactile feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Black could be your best bet, especially if you enjoy the medium-heavy typing experience that enhances precision in your keystrokes. Its creamy and silky tactile sensation, paired with a clackier auditory profile, makes it a fantastic option for both typing and gaming, particularly in quieter environments where you want a more subdued sound. On the other hand, if you're a gamer looking for speed and rapid key presses, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for you. With its low actuation force and swift response, this switch allows for quicker key activations, making it perfect for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. Additionally, the bright, clacky sound profile could add an engaging auditory element to your gaming experience. Therefore, consider your preferences in typing feel, sound, and usage scenarios to make the best choice between these two excellent options.
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