Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Gravel stand out as compelling choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly appeal, delivering a buttery smooth typing sensation with a medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness and user comfort. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a perfect option for gamers and typists who appreciate vibrant aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the HMX Gravel boasts an exceptional smoothness and a refined typing feel that positions it as a premium choice for those who prioritize effortless keystrokes. With a slightly lighter actuation force, the Gravel caters particularly well to users who desire a more responsive touch without compromising on the silky feel that defines its character. Each switch has its unique strengths, making the choice between them dependent on your specific preferences in typing feel and aesthetics; 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Gravel are strikingly similar, especially regarding their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which promotes a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is primarily due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal of key switches when combined with RGB lighting, making both switches well-suited for users who want both aesthetic and auditory performance. Since they share this characteristic, users can expect a comparable sound quality when pressing the keys on these switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which contributes a distinctly different auditory feedback. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics like polycarbonate. This results in a rounder and more subdued acoustic response. Both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Gravel benefit from this material choice in their bottom housing, leading to a cohesive yet differentiated sound when pressed. While the top housing influences the sound during key release, the nylon bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and overall typing experience, further aligning their performance characteristics.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the combination of these materials in both the G Pro 3.0 Red and HMX Gravel allows for a unique blend of auditory feedback. The polycarbonate top provides clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottom ensures a smooth, deep sound during the actuation. As both switches utilize the same materials for their respective housing parts, users can achieve similar auditory results, contributing to a satisfying and engaging typing experience across both models. Therefore, while each switch may have its nuances, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the G Pro 3.0 Red and HMX Gravel can deliver remarkably congruent performance attributes for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch exhibit identical specifications, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users of either switch can expect a similar typing experience, characterized by a light feel that allows for prolonged typing sessions without excessive fatigue, making them suitable for both work and long gaming stretches. The shared force values suggest that neither switch imposes a significantly heavier push feel; thus, users seeking a more substantial force feedback for greater tactile satisfaction might want to explore alternatives with higher actuation or bottom out forces. Overall, both switches cater to those who favor lighter options, ultimately providing comparable performance in terms of force dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Gravel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.5 mm difference suggests that typists or gamers who favor a more responsive experience may prefer the Gravel switch for its quicker actuation, which aligns with the trend towards shorter travel distances in gaming. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more pronounced depth when pressing keys might opt for the G Pro 3.0 Red, as its longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Red being the longer option and the Gravel being the shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red for $2.77.
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch produces a neutral auditory profile. Its moderate actuation force and sound characteristics make it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This balanced sound is suitable for both beginners and more experienced users, providing enough feedback to be satisfying without being overly distracting. The HMX Gravel switch, while unspecified in terms of sound qualities, likely offers a similar experience in neutrality since both focus on comfort and usability, which typically translates to unobtrusive acoustic performance. Ultimately, you can expect a sound profile that won't disrupt your surroundings with either switch.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red excels with descriptors such as creamy, mild, polished, and silky, indicating a particularly smooth and refined typing experience. These attributes create a sensation where the fingers effortlessly glide over the keys, making prolonged typing enjoyable. The medium-light actuation force strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, allowing for effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Gravel is not explicitly described, but the emphasis on smoothness hints that it may also provide a comparable typing experience. Given that both switches are designed for ease of use, you can generally expect an inviting tactile sensation that enhances performance.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offers a well-defined sound profile and a wonderfully smooth feel characterized by multiple reassuring descriptors, the HMX Gravel switch presents an unknown quality in the feel category but suggests a similarly pleasant typing experience. Both switches prioritize user-friendly designs aimed at delivering comfort and responsiveness, making either choice an excellent option for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. When selecting between these two, you're leaning towards a satisfying typing experience, especially if you're interested in smoothness and usability.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Gravel linear switches, it’s essential to consider your specific typing preferences and the contexts in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you are looking for an affordable switch that offers a creamy, mild, and polished typing experience, along with a neutral sound profile that blends well in any environment—be it at home or in the office—the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force provides a balance that caters well to both casual typists and gamers. On the other hand, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel that enhances responsiveness, the HMX Gravel may be the better option for you. The Gravel's emphasis on a seamless feedback experience makes it ideal for those who spend long hours typing and seek a switch that feels effortless under the fingers. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, so consider trying each one to determine which aligns best with your typing style and use-case scenarios.
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