Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, one may come across the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Swift, both of which are linear switches with distinct characteristics. 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. Its frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as 'creamy', 'mild', 'neutral', 'polished', and 'silky', the Swift is categorized as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', 'feathery', 'bouncy', and 'creamy'. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Swift both boast unique housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Swift's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate material in the G Pro 3.0 Red's top housing is also beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the nylon top housing in the Swift absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Swift feature nylon bottom housings that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic compared to harder plastics, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and overall feel. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the role of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, may vary between the two switches.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Swift play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and feel of each switch. The polycarbonate top housing in the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing in the Swift offers a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches share nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a similar deep and full sound quality. Understanding the impact of these housing materials on the overall typing experience can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch have similar actuation forces, with the G Pro 3.0 Red requiring 45 grams and the Swift requiring 42 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when fully pressed. In terms of weight, both switches are considered light, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. This lighter weight allows for smoother and faster typing without exerting excessive force on the fingers. Overall, while the actuation forces differ slightly, the bottom out forces remain the same, resulting in a similar typing experience across both switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.9 mm travel distance of the Swift. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the G Pro 3.0 Red leaning towards the longer end while the Swift is slightly shorter. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Swift, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, offering a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is described as having a clacky sound signature, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. The choice between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and the environment in which they will be used, as the sound can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, with smooth and buttery keypresses that glide effortlessly. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy as well, providing a light and gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, albeit with slightly different characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer quality typing experiences with their unique sound profiles and tactile feels. While the G Pro 3.0 Red leans towards a more neutral sound profile and a creamy typing feel, the HMX Swift switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, feathery feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience that meets your specific needs and preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches hands-on will provide the best insight into which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and balanced typing feel with a medium-light actuation force, along with vibrant RGB lighting effects and a satisfying auditory experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound profile, silky smoothness, and a delicate actuation force for effortless typing, the HMX Swift linear switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing style and preferences. Make your decision based on what aspects of the typing experience matter most to you.
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