Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Twilight each present unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its delicate bump that enhances typing feedback without disrupting one's flow, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a bit of resistance during each key press. Furthermore, its frosted light diffuser beautifully showcases RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to your setup. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, a linear switch, boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, delivering a smooth and quiet typing experience that allows for rapid key presses without the tactile interruptions, ideal for gamers or those who favor a sleek, uninterrupted feel. Both switches have their merits, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown favoring a sensory typing experience and the HMX Twilight providing silent efficiency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
3.85 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and HMX Twilight switches demonstrate distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which ultimately contribute to their respective sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality is attributed to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for clearer resonance and a pronounced sound when releasing keys. In contrast, the HMX Twilight employs a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. As nylon is comparatively softer, it absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the top housing's material significantly influences the overall sound the switches produce during usage.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which creates a more uniform experience for gamers and typists alike. The nylon material lends a consistent and rich tonal quality to the typing experience, contributing to a fuller sound when the key is bottomed out. Since both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and HMX Twilight have nylon bottom housings, this similarity means that the fundamental sound characteristics when pressing down on the switches are more alike than the sound produced during release. This commonality in the bottom housing essentially narrows the performance gap between the two models, allowing users to enjoy a similar tactile experience while utilizing different top materials.
Ultimately, the contrast between polycarbonate and nylon in the top housings highlights how variations in materials can lead to different auditory experiences. If a user enjoys the clear, resonant sound of the G Pro 3.0 Brown during key releases but prefers the fuller sound signature of the Twilight when bottoming out, they can achieve a somewhat balanced auditory experience by selecting the switch that best suits their preferences for how they intend to use it. The combination of these materials results in unique outcomes while sharing some technical similarities due to the common use of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring that both switches provide a satisfying and nuanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch to the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Twilight switch requires less force to actuate and bottom out, catering to users who prefer lighter switches for extended periods of typing or gaming. The difference in forces suggests that while the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more substantial feel, the Twilight offers a smoother and less taxing experience on the fingers. Hence, for those seeking a heavier tactile experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the preferred choice, while those looking for lighter, easier keystrokes might lean towards the HMX Twilight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a clear distinction emerges: the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more traditional and deeper keypress experience, which some users prefer for its satisfying tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Twilight's shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who benefit from a more rapid actuation. Ultimately, if you favor a more responsive and snappy feel, the Twilight may be more to your liking, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown may appeal to those who appreciate a more robust typing experience.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 produces a medium-high pitch that delivers satisfying auditory feedback, making each keystroke a pleasurable experience. This switch's sound profile is designed to enhance the typing experience without being overly loud, striking a balance between expressiveness and discretion. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is characterized by a slightly quieter sound due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, while still maintaining a clacky quality typical of HMX switches. Both switches demonstrate how the acoustic characteristics can enhance user engagement; however, the G Pro 3.0 Brown leans towards providing a sharper auditory feedback, which contrasts the more subdued tonal quality of the Twilight.
When examining the feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers an easy-to-press action with gentle resistance, making it remarkably comfortable, particularly for extended typing sessions. This tactile switch features a mild bump sensation that provides a balanced typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a comfortable yet responsive feel. The G Pro Brown's stepped tactile nature introduces a predefined two-stage action that helps users anticipate keystrokes without overwhelming feedback. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch remains largely unknown, as the information on its tactile characteristics and actuation force has not been provided. Generally, linear switches like the Twilight are designed to offer a smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback that defines tactile switches like the G Pro Brown.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and HMX Twilight switch present distinct sound and feel qualities catering to different preferences among typists. The G Pro 3.0 Brown excels with its satisfying auditory feedback and tactile characteristics, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience, while specific details about the HMX Twilight's feel remain unspecified. Users who appreciate a softer, quieter typing experience may gravitate toward the Twilight, while those who seek joy in tactile responses and auditory engagement will likely prefer the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction or a smooth, quieter keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and how you plan to use your mechanical keyboard. If you lean towards tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without being overly pronounced, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams strikes a balance that many users find comfortable, making it ideal for both typing and casual gaming. The gentle tactile bump offers a satisfying experience without detracting from fluid key presses, allowing you to maintain your typing flow while enjoying the added auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a more fluid keypress, particularly for gaming or situations requiring rapid keystrokes, the HMX Twilight's 50-gram bottom-out force might suit you better. Its extended travel distance and quieter characteristics can provide a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, especially during long sessions. In essence, choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown for a tactile yet balanced feel, perfect for versatile typing tasks, and the HMX Twilight if you prefer a smoother, quieter, and lighter keypress that facilitates faster input.
Mentioned in this article
