Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, the choice ultimately comes down to tactile feedback versus a smooth linear typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump that enhances typing without being overpowering. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus provides a super bouncy feeling with a medium weight and bright, resonant sound, making each keystroke a delight. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown is perfect for those who prefer a tactile response, the Lotus is ideal for individuals who enjoy a smooth and linear typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Lotus utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This means that users can expect a more muted typing experience with both switches when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel.
However, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a stiffer plastic, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, giving users the option to customize their keyboard aesthetics with colorful lighting effects.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Lotus will ultimately come down to personal preference. While both switches offer a similar deeper sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper and more resonant typing experience compared to the Lotus. Users looking for a switch with a sharper sound profile and the option to customize with RGB lighting may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those seeking a softer, more muted typing experience may lean towards the HMX Lotus.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a medium resistance level. In comparison, the Lotus provides a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The G Pro 3.0 Brown would cater more to users who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Lotus would be preferred by those who like a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits to users based on their weight preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown providing a more substantial typing experience and the Lotus allowing for longer typing periods due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus switch. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's 4.0mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, while the Lotus' 3.5mm travel distance is slightly shallower. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the Lotus switch with the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Brown with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown 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 Brown for $2.77.
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is often praised for its medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience with an extra layer of joy. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch is known for producing a bright, resonant sound that adds a super bouncy feeling to every keystroke. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the mild and stepped nature of these switches ensures a more approachable and low-impact typing feel that appeals to a wide range of users. As for the HMX Lotus linear switch, information regarding its specific feel characteristics is not provided, but based on its medium weight of 50g bottom out, it is likely to offer a responsive and tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown excels in providing a delightful tactile sensation and medium-high pitch sound, the HMX Lotus stands out with its bouncy feel and bright, resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 63 grams with a subtle tactile sensation and medium-high pitch, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the way to go. Its easy-to-press feel and delightful auditory feedback make it a great choice for those who want a more gentle typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams with a super bouncy feeling and bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switch is the perfect match. Its unique characteristics provide a different typing experience that may be more appealing to those who enjoy a lighter touch and a more pronounced tactile feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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