Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between a multitude of options, each with its unique characteristics and attributes. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Perky, both linear switches, provide distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly appeal and balanced actuation force, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience without straining their wallets. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, and the medium-high pitch contributes to a satisfying auditory feel. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch offers a softer, glittery nylon housing, known for delivering a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. The Perky's shorter travel distance condenses the typing action, making it an appealing option for those seeking a quicker response. Both switches cater to varying needs—whether it’s affordability with the G Pro 3.0 Red or the unique tactile experience offered by the HMX Perky. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
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 HMX Perky switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, influencing their overall sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure, which results in a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This material's properties allow it to resonate more clearly than softer plastics, enabling a sound profile that stands out when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Perky’s top housing is crafted from nylon. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Consequently, the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top will yield a more pronounced sound on key release, while the Perky’s nylon top will provide a muted and rounder sound during both typing and release.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which means they share some acoustic characteristics when pressed down. The nylon material inherently dampens sound, leading to a deeper and more rounded sound profile that significantly impacts the bottom-out feel of both switches. Thus, while switching between these two types, users will notice that the bottom housing qualities create a consistent typing experience in terms of sound dampening and feel. The consistent use of nylon in both switches assures that, at the moment of bottoming out, they will generate a similar auditory effect, enveloping users in a satisfying and unified sound.
In summary, the primary contrast between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Perky lies within their top housing materials, which condition the sound profile unique to each switch. The polycarbonate top of the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a high-pitched clarity, perfect for RGB enthusiasts, while the nylon top of the Perky lends itself to a warmer sound. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures both switches produce a comparable deeper sound upon pressing, ultimately delivering a coherent experience at the actuation point. By understanding these materials' influences, users can appreciate the unique strengths of each switch while recognizing the common characteristics brought forth by the shared nylon in their bottom housings.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch both offer relatively lightweight typing experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Red featuring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Perky has an even lighter actuation force of 43 grams, with the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means both switches require a similar amount of force to bottom out, providing consistent feedback at the end of a keypress. However, the HMX Perky's slightly lower actuation force may appeal more to those who favor prolonged typing sessions, as it requires less effort per keystroke. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red, while still light, offers a slightly firmer push, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch would gravitate towards the HMX Perky, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the G Pro 3.0 Red.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option when compared to the HMX Perky linear switch's travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, which some users may prefer for its deeper feedback. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Perky switch aligns more with the current trend of gamers seeking quicker response times. While shorter travel can enhance responsiveness, some users might find the abruptness of shallow travel distances less satisfying. Ultimately, if you favor a more pronounced key press, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the better choice, while the HMX Perky will appeal to those looking for speed and precision.
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 Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 switches provide a neutral auditory profile. Their medium-high pitch creates a balanced sound suitable for various settings, whether you're at home or in a workplace, making them versatile for different typing environments. This neutrality can often be pleasing, as it won’t be overly disruptive while typing. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX Perky linear switch remain unspecified. Therefore, it’s difficult to assess how it might compare in acoustic terms; if sound quality is a priority for you, you may find the G Pro Red switches to be a more reliable option.
Regarding the tactile experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red switches excel with their creamy, mild, polished, and silky qualities. These descriptors suggest a typing experience that is not only smooth and effortless but also well-suited to users who prefer a refined feel with minimal resistance when pressing the keys. The combination of these characteristics is likely to provide a responsive yet gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Perky switches is not clearly defined within the provided information. This leaves a gap in comparison, as the tactile feedback and overall typing sensation of the Perky switches remain a mystery.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switches offer a well-rounded sound and a remarkably smooth feel, the HMX Perky linear switches present an unknown factor in both aspects. If you prioritize sound that suits varying settings and a creamy, refined typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red switches are a strong choice. However, if you're open to exploring the Perky switches, you may find an experience that could be equally gratifying, especially if they deliver on quality in a way that’s yet to be defined. In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role, and either option could lead to a satisfactory typing journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios will play a significant role. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a creamy, polished feel with a neutral sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. Its smooth actuation and vibrant RGB lighting capabilities make it ideal for those who want an engaging typing experience at home or in a work environment. However, if you prefer a unique typing experience with a softer touch, the HMX Perky switch could be more suitable for you. With its lighter feel and shorter travel distance, it offers a condensed typing experience that many find deeply satisfying. Ultimately, your decision could hinge on whether you prioritize acoustic neutrality and a buttery smooth feel, or a compact and delightful tactile experience. Each switch presents its own benefits, so considering how you type and what you value in a mechanical keyboard will guide you to the right choice.
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