Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, a few key differences stand out. The G Pro 3.0 Red is praised for its budget-friendly nature and smooth typing experience, with a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. It also features a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting effects and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. While the G Pro 3.0 Red focuses on a polished and creamy typing experience, the HMX Lotus emphasizes a bright and resonant tactile feedback. 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Lotus, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced by the bottom housing. However, the G Pro 3.0 Red's top housing is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Lotus features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and duller sound. This difference in housing materials will lead to a noticeable variation in sound when pressing down and releasing a key between the two switches.
While both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Lotus use nylon for their bottom housings, their top housing materials diverge significantly. The G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound profile due to its stiffness, which is ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. This contrast in top housing materials will impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the G Pro 3.0 Red with its polycarbonate top housing would be the better choice, while the HMX Lotus with its nylon top housing would appeal to those seeking a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of sound production, the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Lotus play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 Red's top housing creates a distinct sound profile that is sharp and crisp, while the Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Although both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, the difference in top housing materials results in a noticeable disparity in sound quality. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharper sound of the G Pro 3.0 Red or the deeper sound of the HMX Lotus to suit their typing needs.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch are both 45 grams for actuation and 50 grams for bottom out. This means that both switches offer a light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. The similarity in weight between the two switches means that users can expect similar results in terms of feel and responsiveness. Whether a user prefers a lighter actuation force for prolonged typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Lotus switches provide a balanced and consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Lotus is shorter than the G Pro 3.0 Red. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize speed and quick response times may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Red with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may gravitate towards the Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual user.
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 Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 is known for its neutral profile, providing a moderate sound that is suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Lotus switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy typing experience, characterized by smooth and buttery key presses that effortlessly glide under your fingers. This switch also has a mild and polished feel, further enhancing the typing comfort with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Lotus switch remains unspecified, leaving room for discovery on whether it provides a similar or different tactile experience.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and HMX Lotus linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the G Pro 3.0 Red is known for its smooth typing experience and neutral sound profile, the HMX Lotus switch boasts a bouncy feel with a bright, resonant sound. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you enjoy the qualities of the G Pro 3.0 Red, you may find similar results with the HMX Lotus switch, albeit with its own distinct characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on what specific feel and sound profile you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider your preference for a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a medium-light actuation force and bright RGB lighting effects, go for the G Pro 3.0 Red. On the other hand, if you enjoy a super bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound and a medium weight bottom out, opt for the HMX Lotus linear switch. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a light sound profile and a polished, silky typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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