Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Lucky offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is a tactile option, known for its subtle bump that provides a satisfying feedback without being overly pronounced, making it ideal for those who enjoy a gentle sensation while typing. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, creating a visually appealing setup. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch is a linear option that prioritizes a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, featuring lightweight construction with softer, glittery nylon housings for a truly neutral feel. This switch is perfect for users who prefer a quieter and seamless typing experience. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the tactile feedback of the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the silky smoothness of the Lucky, both switches offer unique benefits that can significantly enhance your typing or gaming 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Lucky, significant contrasts can be observed in their top housing materials, which profoundly influence their acoustic properties and overall performance. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing known for its rigidity and translucence. This lends the switch a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly, making it ideally suited for RGB lighting applications due to its clear visibility. In contrast, the HMX Lucky features a nylon top housing, a classic material that delivers a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This difference in material contributes to distinct auditory experiences—while the G Pro option produces crisper sounds, the Lucky provides a more muted and rounded acoustical response.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which equalizes some of the sound characteristics across the two models. The nylon construction in the G Pro 3.0 Brown's bottom housing is noted for absorbing sound effectively, resulting in a deepened and fuller typing experience that enhances the duller bottom-out sound. This property is mirrored in the HMX Lucky, where the nylon bottom housing similarly lends a rounder audio signature. Therefore, while the upper housing materials create a notable difference in sound profile, the nylon bottom housings serve to unify their performance, ensuring that both switches share a common characteristic—deeper sound modulation upon key press.
Consequently, as players engage with either the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the HMX Lucky, they will experience a blend of distinct auditory qualities stemming from their top housing differences, complemented by a shared fuller sound from the nylon bottoms. This combination of materials means that those who prefer the crisper sounds of polycarbonate can still benefit from the fullness added by the nylon in the G Pro. Meanwhile, users of the Lucky can enjoy the softer sound characteristics while retaining some of the clarity influenced by the G Pro's unique top interface. Ultimately, the interplay between both switch designs showcases how varying materials can create versatile auditory experiences in mechanical keyboards, allowing users to choose a switch that aligns more closely with their personal typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their weight characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch is noticeably lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter feel makes the Lucky switch better suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. Consequently, users who prefer a softer touch and easier keystrokes may gravitate towards the Lucky switch, while those who enjoy a firmer push and a more tactile feedback may favor the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch with less resistance, the HMX Lucky is the optimal choice, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a heavier and more robust experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, it's clear that the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lucky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a deeper keypress experience, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial and tactile response. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those looking for quicker response times, as it can facilitate faster key registration. Therefore, if you're seeking a more pronounced typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the better option, while the HMX Lucky may be the choice for those who favor a quicker and more agile keypress.
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 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
In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches deliver a medium-high pitch auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overly loud, striking an excellent balance for both gaming and typing scenarios. Their sound profile is satisfying yet discreet enough not to be distracting in quieter environments. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky linear switches are less defined in their sound, but they typically produce a smooth and muted sound signature, characteristic of linear switches which lack the audible click associated with tactile or clicky designs. Both switches can manifest subtle variations in sound depending on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, so while the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more pronounced sound experience, the Lucky might offer a quieter, less intrusive option.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches stand out with their easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate, which makes them ideal for extended typing sessions. Their tactile bump is mild but present, offering just enough feedback to let the typist know when a key has registered without being overly aggressive. This offers a gentle resistance and assures an approachable typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Lucky switches are described as neutral and deeply satisfying; however, specific details about their actuation force and tactile feedback are not indicated. This lack of detailed information makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison, but it is reasonable to presume that the Lucky's linear profile may provide a smoother and uninterrupted keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a slick typing experience over tactile bumps.
In conclusion, the G Pro 3.0 Brown and HMX Lucky switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown excels in providing a balanced auditory feedback and a mild tactile experience, perfect for those who appreciate both sound and tactile feedback in their typing. With the HMX Lucky, while clear descriptions of their sound and feel are lacking, their smooth linear nature suggests a different, perhaps more fluid typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may boil down to your personal preference for tactile feedback versus a smooth actuation, but both switches promise enjoyable typing experiences catered to distinct styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback while typing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent option. With its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams, it provides a subtle yet noticeable bump that helps in confirming key presses without being overwhelming. This could be particularly valuable for those who type for extended periods, as it can reduce finger fatigue while still delivering a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more effortless keystroke with minimal resistance, the HMX Lucky switch is your go-to choice. Its light 43 grams bottom-out force allows for quicker typing and minimal fatigue, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or those who enjoy a more fluid typing style. Additionally, the Lucky's neutral feel adds a layer of comfort that many find appealing. In summary, choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown for a balanced tactile experience in everyday typing and the HMX Lucky for a lighter, sleek feel for swift and agile input.
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