Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a pivotal role, and two standout options are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its economical yet high-quality design, offering a gentle tactile bump that enhances typing awareness without disrupting the overall flow. The inclusion of a frosted light diffuser contributes to an impressive RGB experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback alongside a visually engaging setup. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a linear switch, presents a heavier feel with its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, delivering a soft acoustic profile coupled with a crisp, high-pitched resonance. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a smooth keystroke experience without the tactile feedback, allowing for rapid typing and gaming without interruption. Both switches cater to different styles and preferences; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) keyboard switches feature different top housing materials, which significantly influence their respective auditory experiences and tactile feedback. The G Pro 3.0 Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiff plastic composition. This quality allows for a more resonant auditory experience, especially advantageous for users who favor a brighter sound when typing. Additionally, polycarbonate’s translucency enhances compatibility with RGB lighting setups, allowing for greater aesthetic customization. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer texture absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that appeals to those preferring a more muted sound while typing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share a common feature; the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Xinhai (Heavy) both use nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material contributes to the overall sound profile, delivering a deeper and fuller quality that is characteristic of nylon. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Thus, despite the different top materials, the commonality in bottom housing means that both switches will provide a consistent tactile response—underlining the way nylon absorbs sound and contributes to a more cushioned pressing experience.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches differ in their top housing materials—one offering a sharper sound and visual clarity through polycarbonate, and the other providing a more subdued acoustic experience through nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similarity in the overall typing experience. As such, users may find that the contrasting properties of the top housings impact the key response and sound when releasing a key, yet the nylon bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out experience remains consistent across both models. Therefore, those seeking a balance between auditory resonance and tactile feedback may find satisfaction in either switch, as they can achieve similar results despite their differing top materials.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch have very similar actuation and bottom out forces, making them comparable choices for typists and gamers alike. Both switches feature an actuation force of 55 grams, which means that the effort required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both, allowing for a comfortable typing experience over long periods. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown at 63 grams and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) at 62.5 grams. This small difference indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Brown is marginally heavier upon bottoming out. Overall, both switches are relatively medium-weight options, but if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel when pressing all the way down, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the better choice, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a marginally lighter experience at the bottom out stage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, a notable difference is evident. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that, for users seeking a more traditional feel with a greater depth when pressing keys, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the preferred choice. Conversely, for those who favor a quicker response time, particularly gamers who benefit from a more responsive action, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Xinhai (Heavy) may be more appealing. Ultimately, the selection between these switches hinges on personal preference regarding the balance between depth and speed in key presses.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 emits a medium-high pitch that provides satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience with its engaging tone. This pleasant sound is particularly effective during long typing sessions, as it contributes to a joyful atmosphere without being overly distracting. The auditory profile is influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can further tailor the sound to individual preferences. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch boasts a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance due to its POM stem, designed to offer softer acoustics through its unique PA12 top housing. This combination results in a more sophisticated sound, making it ideal for users seeking a refined auditory feedback experience. Both switches present a satisfying acoustic quality, yet they target slightly different preferences.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is characterized by an easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance during key presses, which minimizes the force needed to activate each switch. This feature contributes to effortless typing and comfort, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The switch’s tactile feedback is categorized as mild, providing a moderate typing experience that appeals to many users. With a stepped feel, this switch presents two discernible stages within the keystroke, allowing for a nuanced typing experience that is approachable and comforting. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy), on the other hand, is known for delivering a robust tactile experience, although specifics about its exact feel are less defined. Generally, it is expected to offer a heavier actuation force, aligning with its designation as a "heavy" switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Brown switch provides a mild, gentle tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory quality, making it a popular choice for everyday typing. Conversely, the Xinhai switch, with its heavier actuation and crisp sound, is designed for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile sensation. While their sound profiles differ slightly, both switches contribute to a pleasurable typing experience, allowing users to find a suitable match based on their typing needs and preferences. Ultimately, each switch brings its unique advantages, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world have compelling options to explore.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a tactile feedback while typing, enjoy a gentle bump that offers a satisfying, yet not overwhelming sensation, and want a switch that enhances your RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. Its easy-to-press nature means that you'll feel less finger fatigue, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke without any tactile feedback and value a more pronounced auditory response, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) may be more suitable for you. This linear switch is designed for users who desire a more refined typing experience, with distinct acoustics provided by its unique housing and stem materials. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile sensations or the fluidity of linear switches, as both provide a balanced actuation force for comfortable use.
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