Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and HMX Jelly are two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The G Pro 3.0 Red, celebrated for its budget-friendly price tag, offers a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for users who seek responsiveness without sacrificing comfort. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, providing an eye-catching aesthetic along with a satisfying experience that strikes the balance between neutrality and a polished feel. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly introduces a unique auditory experience characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, amplified by its super smooth operation thanks to excellent factory lube and a lightweight actuation force of 42g. While the G Pro 3.0 Red appeals to those looking for a versatile, budget-conscious switch with bright lighting capabilities, the HMX Jelly caters to users who appreciate a deeper sound profile and a smoother keystroke. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Jelly switches showcase notable differences in their top housing materials, which ultimately influence the auditory experience when typing. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which allows for greater resonance and clarity. In contrast, the HMX Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material recognized for its softer characteristics that promote a deeper, fuller sound. Consequently, while the G Pro 3.0 Red enhances the typing experience with a more crystalline tonal quality, the Jelly presents a rounded and warm auditory signature, highlighting how this distinction in materials shapes their respective sound profiles.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, however, they share identical characteristics as both employ nylon. The G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Jelly, therefore, produce similar sound qualities on the bottom-out, owing to nylon's inherent properties of sound absorption. This shared choice of material helps create a consistent experience in terms of a deeper and fuller sound when the switch is depressed. The softness of the nylon contributes to a duller tonal quality, which buffers the impact and provides a smoother typing feel across both switches despite the different top housing materials.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the two switches leads to a unique sound experience that can be both contrasted and compared. While the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top yields a brighter auditory experience, it is balanced out by the nylon bottom which contributes a fuller sound during bottom-out. Meanwhile, the HMX Jelly's consistency in using nylon for both top and bottom housings results in an overall more uniform sound profile. If both switches were used in tandem, typists would experience a blend of clarity from the polycarbonate and the richness from the nylon—ultimately demonstrating how the individual housing materials interplay to shape the overall typing sensation.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Jelly is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Jelly switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottoms out with a bit less resistance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red. Therefore, those who enjoy a less strenuous typing experience may prefer the HMX Jelly for its lighter push feel, while users who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Red. Overall, while both switches provide a relatively light actuation and bottom out experience, the HMX Jelly clearly stands as the lighter option.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch exhibit notable differences in their travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jelly switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a more pronounced depth, which can offer a more tactile experience for users who appreciate a fuller key press. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, allowing for swifter key actuations that can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. Overall, if you prefer the more substantial feel of a longer travel distance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Jelly is suitable for those who favor a less pronounced switch actuation.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 Red switch has a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance suitable for various environments, whether you're typing at home or in the office. This moderate sound ensures that it won't be a source of distraction, appealing to both beginners and veterans alike. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch features a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which can provide a more satisfying auditory feedback during typing. While both switches can deliver enjoyable sounds, their distinct tonal profiles cater to different personal preferences, and individual results will vary based on keycap and board choices.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red excels with its creamy and polished characteristics, resulting in a smooth, buttery typing experience. The factory lubrication contributes to the silky sensation, allowing for effortless key presses and minimal friction. This is complemented by its mild actuation force, making it approachable for users of all skill levels. On the other hand, the feel of the Jelly switch remains unknown, leaving a gap in directly comparing the tactile experience. However, given the G Pro’s refined feel, it is likely to provide a level of comfort that's easy to adapt to.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a neutral sound and a creamy, polished typing experience, the HMX Jelly switch presents a distinctive thocky sound signature but lacks a detailed description of its tactile feel. For users who prioritize sound and a smooth typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a strong contender. However, if a deeper sound is more appealing, the Jelly may be worth considering, though its tactile characteristics remain a mystery. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs and preferences, and trying them both might yield the most satisfying experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience that excels in versatility, particularly for both gaming and office environments, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a fantastic choice. Its creamy, polished feel and neutral sound profile make it approachable and comfortable for users of all experience levels, ensuring you won’t get fatigued during long typing sessions. Additionally, the switch’s budget-friendly price point and vibrant RGB compatibility make it a solid option for those looking to enhance their setup without a significant financial investment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more distinctive auditory experience with a deeper, thocky sound and an ultra-smooth typing feel, the Jelly switch could be your go-to. With a slightly lower actuation force, it is ideal for those who appreciate a lighter touch and want to enjoy a switch that stands out in aesthetic and feedback. In summary, consider the G Pro 3.0 Red for a balanced performance across various tasks, while opting for the Jelly switch if you desire an engaging sound and sensation that adds character to your typing experience.
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