Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. HMX Jelly

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch, a tactile option, is celebrated for its subtle but pleasant bump that enhances typing without being overly intrusive. This switch strikes a balance between comfort and feedback, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a blend of tactile sensation and auditory enjoyment. Furthermore, its frosted light diffuser ensures that RGB lighting shines brilliantly, adding to the aesthetic appeal of your setup. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch offers a smooth and linear experience with a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature. Its lightweight actuation force of 42g and factory lubrication provide an exceptionally fluid typing experience, appealing to gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke. While the G Pro Brown switch excels in delivering tactile feedback and visual enhancement, the HMX Jelly switch prioritizes smooth operation and sound quality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

HMX Jelly Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Jelly switches, a notable distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, facilitating higher-pitched tones when typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly incorporates a nylon top housing, which tends to yield a deeper and fuller sound profile because of nylon's softer composition that absorbs sound. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown benefits from a crisper auditory experience, the HMX Jelly delivers a sound that is more muted and rounded, showcasing how different materials can fundamentally alter the sound characteristics of a switch.

Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to similar sound properties when pressed down. Nylon is revered for its capacity to soften the acoustic feedback and provide a certain depth to the typing experience. Hence, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Jelly can elicit a robust and satisfying bottom-out sound due to the shared use of nylon in that aspect. As a result, despite the variations in their top housings, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistent auditory profile when the key is pressed down, creating a balanced typing experience across both switch types.

Ultimately, the interplay of materials in both switches creates distinct aural experiences, with the differing top housings playing a critical role in the overall feedback. When you let go of a key, the polycarbonate of the G Pro 3.0 Brown shines with its crisp notes, whereas the nylon of the HMX Jelly softens the release, offering a fuller sound on the release. While the bottom housings deliver a common quality, it is the top housings that define their character during the keystroke’s ascent and descent. Thus, users might choose between these switches based on preferred sound profiles: the sharpness of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon, both comforted by the robust characteristics of the nylon bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch to the HMX Jelly linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a medium resistance that some users find ideal for a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch is noticeably lighter, featuring an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference in force means that the Jelly switch may be more suitable for those who prioritize extended typing sessions without fatigue, making it an excellent choice for work or prolonged gaming. Conversely, the heavier G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more substantial tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a firmer push. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch might gravitate towards the HMX Jelly, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance may find the G Pro 3.0 Brown more appealing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 Brown, with a travel distance of 4 mm, offers a more traditional and deeper typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This gives the Jelly switch a slightly more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers who prefer quicker actuation for faster response times. However, for those who appreciate a more robust tactile feedback and a deeper keypress, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the better choice. Ultimately, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the longer travel switch, while the HMX Jelly is the shorter option, providing users with distinct preferences based on sensitivity and typing comfort.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Jelly linear switch, they exhibit distinctly different auditory characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Brown produces a medium-high pitch that delivers satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience with a pleasant and lively sound. In contrast, the Jelly switch is recognized for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature, creating a deeper, more resonant auditory experience. This variation in sound can significantly affect the impression each switch leaves during usage, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown providing a brighter tone while the Jelly offers a richer, more muted sound.

In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches excel with their easy-to-press design, requiring only a gentle force for activation, which results in a comfortable and fatigue-reducing typing experience. They are characterized by a mild tactile sensation that provides a gentle bump without being overwhelming, making them approachable for a wide range of users. Furthermore, the stepped nature of these switches allows typists to feel two distinct stages, offering a nuanced tactile feedback that helps maintain typing accuracy. On the other hand, specific details about the feel of the Jelly switch are not provided, so it’s difficult to determine how it might compare in this regard. However, the Jelly's designation as a linear switch typically implies smoother keystrokes without the tactile feedback found in the G Pro Brown.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch offer contrasting experiences, particularly in sound and tactile feedback. The G Pro Brown stands out with its medium-high pitch sound and mild tactile feel, creating a classic and enjoyable typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Jelly switch draws its appeal from a deeper, thocky sound, further emphasizing its smoothness due to excellent factory lube, although its tactile qualities remain unspecified. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether one prefers a more tactile and audible typing experience or a smoother and deeper sound profile, reflecting the personal preferences of individual typists.

Conclusion

To conclude, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch cater to different typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams enables a satisfying yet controlled typing experience, making it versatile for both casual typing and gaming. The gentle bump it provides is perfect for users who want to feel their keystrokes without the distraction of an aggressive tactile profile. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, more effortless typing experience, the HMX Jelly linear switch is the way to go. With its lower actuation force of 48 grams, it allows for rapid keystrokes with minimal resistance, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming and comfortable typing over extended periods. The Jelly’s deep and low-pitched sound signature also adds a unique auditory pleasure that some might prefer over the more pronounced feedback of the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prefer the tactile assurance of the G Pro or the silky smoothness of the Jelly; both are excellent options that enhance the mechanical keyboard experience in their own distinct ways.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more