Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note the key differences between these two options. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch, offering a gentle bump without being too disruptive to your typing flow. Its medium-high pitch and subtle tactile sensation provide an enjoyable typing experience, complemented by a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting. On the other hand, the HMX Swift is a linear switch known for its deeper sound profile and silky smooth feel, thanks to its full nylon housings and 42g actuation force. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown is 'Easy-to-press' and 'Mild', the Swift is described as 'Clacky', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. Choosing between these switches depends on your preferences for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. 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
42g
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
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Swift, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. With both switches sharing this component, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
However, the top housing material of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown differs from the HMX Swift, as the former utilizes polycarbonate while the latter features nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Being a stiffer plastic, it leads to a more clear and resonant sound, which is especially beneficial when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Swift contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a different typing experience with a more muffled and smoother sound compared to polycarbonate.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Swift ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a similar deep and full sound profile, the differing top housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon result in distinct sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper, smoother sound with nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it becomes evident that the Swift is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown falls on the medium side with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. The difference in weight between these switches can greatly affect typing and gaming experiences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Swift more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, selecting the appropriate switch weight comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Swift. A 0.1 mm might not seem like a significant difference, but it can affect the typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown might provide a bit more tactile feedback due to the slightly longer travel distance, while the Swift may feel slightly more responsive with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance - whether you prefer a more traditional feel with the G Pro 3.0 Brown or a slightly quicker response with the Swift. Both switches offer a quality typing experience, so regardless of the difference in travel distance, you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 Brown switch is known for its medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is described as having a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses, minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch is also described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to other switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the switch is said to have a stepped feel, where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is also described as easy-to-press and feathery, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger strain and fatigue during long typing sessions. The switch is also noted to be bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation, as well as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches provide a comfortable and responsive typing feel, catering to different preferences and needs.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch and the HMX Swift switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch sound with easy-to-press and mild feel, while the HMX Swift offers a clacky sound with easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy feel. Depending on the user's preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can provide a delightful and immersive typing experience, tailored to individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, you should opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a subtle tactile sensation, a medium-high pitch sound, and an overall easy-to-press and stepped feel experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a deeper sound profile, and an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, or creamy feel, then the HMX Swift linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value the most.
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