Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the distinctions between tactile and linear switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch stands out as a tactile option that combines affordability with quality, offering a gentle bump that enhances your typing without being overly intrusive. Its frosted light diffuser not only enhances the visibility of RGB lighting but also ensures a satisfying auditory feedback, making it a great choice for those who enjoy both the feel and sound of their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid key presses and a bright, clacky sound profile. Its smooth push feel makes it an excellent option for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their gameplay. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown caters well to everyday typists and casual gamers who appreciate tactile feedback, the Vintage Citrus appeals to competitive gamers seeking efficiency. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer structure that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile when typing. This material's clarity and resonance enhance the auditory feedback of keystrokes, making each press evocative and responsive. Its translucency also plays a significant role, particularly for users interested in RGB lighting effects, as it optimally showcases the illuminated aspects of the keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, which, while it provides a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer plastic composition, lacks the brightness that polycarbonate offers. Thus, the material difference between polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing can lead to distinctly different typing experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown being more resonant and the Vintage Citrus achieving a warmer, more subdued sound profile.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon. This shared material brings about the same sound absorption qualities to both switches, leading to a similar, deeper, and rounder sound profile for bottoming out. Because nylon is inherently softer, it significantly dampens the sound of keystrokes, ensuring that both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Vintage Citrus offer a more muted auditory experience in this aspect. The similarity in bottom housing materials means that when it comes to the bottom-out feel, users will likely find a comparable sensation between the two, as the characteristics of the nylon contribute to this shared experience.
Overall, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus employ different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—resulting in divergent sound profiles during actuation, their nylon bottom housings unite them in terms of the sound and feel when the key is fully pressed. This dichotomy emphasizes the importance of the top and bottom housing materials in a switch's performance, as each contributes distinctly to the tactile feedback and auditory cues experienced by the user. Regardless of their differences in top housing, the bottom-end experience remains consistent due to the shared properties of nylon seen in both models. This allows users to enjoy similar auditory feedback while pressing down on the switch, making them suitable for those who prefer the qualities of nylon in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, marking it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is lighter, with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction means that users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus, appreciating its softer feel. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier G Pro 3.0 Brown more satisfying due to its greater actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, for similar results in terms of typing experience, one would need to consider their personal preference for weight and feedback, as these differences can significantly impact comfort and performance during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a clear distinction arises. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a travel distance of only 3 mm, categorizing it as a shallower switch. This difference reflects varying user preferences; gamers who seek rapid response times may favor the shorter 3 mm travel of the Vintage Citrus for its responsiveness. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial and deliberate keystroke may find the 4 mm travel of the G Pro 3.0 Brown more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your 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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is characterized by a medium-high pitch that provides pleasing auditory feedback during typing. It isn't overwhelmingly loud, allowing for a satisfying experience that enhances the engagement without being disruptive. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright, clacky sound profile that caters to gamers seeking auditory feedback beneficial for rapid inputs. While both switches can create enjoyable sounds, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is more subdued and mature, whereas the Vintage Citrus is designed for those who appreciate a sharper and more pronounced auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a gentle, tactile sensation characterized by a mild bump that won't interfere with typing fluidity. It requires minimal force to activate, making it easy to press and reducing finger fatigue, especially during lengthy typing sessions. This switch strikes a balance with its stepped design, allowing users to sense its pre-travel and post-travel stages without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is less well-defined in terms of tactile feedback, but it is known for its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm and a remarkably smooth press. This makes it an excellent choice for quick and light keystrokes, catering specifically to gamers who require speed and agility.
In summary, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different preferences, they offer distinct experiences in sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more balanced and controlled auditory feedback with a moderate tactile sensation, ideal for regular typing and gaming alike. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus emphasizes quick actuation with an energetic sound profile suitable for fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a refined sound experience or a lightweight, lightning-fast actuation partnered with bright acoustics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a balanced typing experience that offers a subtle tactile response with satisfying auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is your best bet. It’s particularly suitable for long typing sessions, where the gentle resistance helps to reduce finger fatigue and the medium-high pitch sound enhances your overall engagement with the keyboard. This switch is well-suited for a variety of tasks, from casual typing to moderate gaming, making it a versatile choice. On the other hand, if you’re a gamer looking for speed, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed just for that. Its low actuation force and rapid activation cater to fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. The bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel enhance responsiveness, making it ideal for rapid-fire keyboard inputs. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a versatile typing experience or are focused on speed and fluidity in gaming.
Mentioned in this article
