Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly affect your typing and gaming experience. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly nature and a smooth, responsive typing experience, thanks to its medium-light actuation force. This makes it an ideal option for those who seek a balanced feel without sacrificing performance—particularly appealing for gamers or typists who appreciate vibrant RGB lighting effects due to its frosted light diffuser. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a more substantial weight at 62.5g, which not only provides a satisfying tactile feedback but also delivers a bright, resonant sound with each keystroke. This bouncy feeling can enhance muscle memory and typing experience, perfect for users who prefer a heavier switch for more deliberate action. While both the G Pro 3.0 Red and HMX Lotus (Heavy) are linear switches, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, significantly affecting their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This characteristic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound while typing, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback from their switches. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency allows for an aesthetically pleasing integration with RGB lighting setups, making this switch a preferred choice for customization enthusiasts.
In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, leading to a more rounded and less abrasive audio experience. This quality may appeal to users who favor a more subdued sound signature when typing, turning the act into a quieter affair. While both switches have a nylon bottom housing, the differing top housing materials create a significant contrast in the auditory and tactile sensations produced during use, influencing the overall typing experience.
Despite these differences, both switches share a commonality in their nylon bottom housings, which inherently contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in each. Given that the bottom housing has a major influence on the bottom-out feel and noise, both switches will exhibit similarities in those aspects, as they translate the softer characteristics of nylon directly to the user's experience. Ultimately, while the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Lotus (Heavy) offer different auditory profiles due to their distinct top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom in both switches results in comparable sensations during the act of typing, emphasizing the importance of housing material on the overall switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch to the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a light touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience favored by those who appreciate a stronger push. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 Red is ideal for those seeking ease and comfort, while the Lotus (Heavy) appeals to users who prefer a firmer feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Lotus (Heavy) measures at 3.5 mm, thus providing a shorter travel distance. The difference in distance signifies a notable preference for users depending on their typing or gaming style; the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke, which can enhance typing feel for those who favor a more pronounced key press. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy) caters to gamers who prioritize speed and responsive feedback with its shorter travel, ideal for swift actions. Ultimately, choosing the G Pro 3.0 Red might offer a more substantial tactile experience, whereas the Lotus (Heavy) may appeal to those who enjoy quicker response times, showing how travel distance influences user experience based on personal preference.
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 (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 Lotus (Heavy) 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a neutral sound that strikes a moderate tone, making it suitable for a variety of environments. This adaptability is beneficial for users who may plan to use their mechanical keyboards in both home and office settings. On the other hand, while the sound characteristics of the Lotus (Heavy) are not explicitly detailed, it is noted that it produces a bright and resonant sound, which suggests a more pronounced auditory experience. This resonance may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more acoustics with their keystrokes, providing a distinct contrast to the more subdued nature of the G Pro 3.0 Red.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red excels with descriptors like creamy, mild, polished, and silky, collectively portraying a smooth and effortless typing experience. The creamy texture allows for a buttery glide as fingers traverse the keys, while the mild nature offers a gentle and approachable interaction suitable for typists of any skill level. The polished characteristic promises reduced friction, leading to a sleek feeling during use. On the other hand, the feel of the Lotus (Heavy) is not specified, but with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, it likely offers a firmer resistance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red, which could promote a different typing dynamic that emphasizes bounciness and potential tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red is well-regarded for its smooth operation and moderate auditory profile, making it a versatile choice for diverse settings. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy), with its heavier actuation force and resonant sound, can offer a more enjoyable tactile experience for users who prefer a bouncier switch. Each switch has its own merits, and the choice between them would ultimately depend on individual typing preferences and desired sound experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lighter, more responsive feel with a silky and creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent option. It provides a gentle 50g actuation force, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, especially if you are just starting your journey into mechanical keyboards. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing you to enjoy a vibrant aesthetic alongside performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke with a heavier bottom out force of 62.5g, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch will cater to your needs. This switch not only grants you a delightful bouncy feel, but it also produces a bright, resonant sound that might appeal to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, consider how much force you like to feel when pressing keys and whether the auditory and tactile feedback matters to you. Both switches offer their unique advantages, so reflect on what fits your typing behavior and personal enjoyment the best.
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