Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and HMX Twilight both offer distinct advantages despite being linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly price and balanced performance, featuring a medium-light actuation force that ensures a smooth and responsive typing experience. Its frosted light diffuser amplifies RGB lighting effects, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who enjoy vibrant backlighting alongside their performance. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm that caters to users looking for a quieter yet satisfying typing experience. With its clacky characteristics, the Twilight emphasizes tactile feedback that can enhance the overall typing enjoyment. Both switches have their unique appeal, making them suitable for different user preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When analyzing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Twilight, notable differences can be observed, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the material. This crisp acoustic quality is further enhanced by polycarbonate’s translucence, making it a popular choice for key switches designed for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more acoustic energy, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less resonant than that produced by polycarbonate. Consequently, while the G Pro 3.0 Red creates a brighter sound, the Twilight offers a warmer auditory experience.

In terms of bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Twilight are unified by their use of nylon. This shared material allows both switches to deliver a consistent sound quality that is notably deeper and more muted. A switch's bottom housing plays a crucial role in defining its overall feel, particularly during the bottoming-out phase. Because both switches utilize nylon for this component, users can expect a similar response and bottom-out sound, characterized by a smoother and more cushioned experience, which is often preferred by typists and gamers alike. The use of nylon in both cases ensures a degree of familiarity for users transitioning from one switch to another.

Overall, the differences in top housing material serve to set the G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Twilight apart in terms of the tonal quality produced during use. Those seeking an illuminating, high-pitched experience would likely prefer the polycarbonate top of the G Pro 3.0 Red, especially in RGB setups. Meanwhile, enthusiasts for a deeper, more absorbent sound may lean towards the Twilight's nylon top housing. Despite their contrasting top materials, the identical nylon composition in the bottom housing provides a bridging element that allows both switches to deliver similar tactile and auditory attributes. Therefore, even with their differences, users can look forward to a compatible and familiar feel when utilizing these switches in their keyboards.

Weight

Comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch reveals some interesting similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Twilight is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams, although both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Twilight might be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. Conversely, both switches will feel similar in terms of bottoming out, as they require the same force to press all the way down. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a heavier feel for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, whereas the HMX Twilight caters to those who favor a lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch and the HMX Twilight switch, the G Pro 3.0 Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This translates to a difference of 0.15 mm, with the G Pro 3.0 Red being the longer travel option, offering a more pronounced press that some users may find desirable for its depth. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight’s shorter travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker response times, appealing to gamers looking for a more instantaneous feel. Ultimately, if you're seeking a switch with a more pronounced feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Red is preferable, whereas if you desire a quicker actuation, the Twilight switch may be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red produces a neutral auditory profile characterized by a moderate sound level. This sound signature makes the switch versatile for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a workplace, catering to both beginners and advanced users alike. The sound is pleasant and not overly obtrusive, making it manageable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch is known for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which contributes to a slightly quieter operation. While it retains some of the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, the overall sound profile is likely to be less pronounced compared to G Pro 3.0 Red, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is lauded for its creamy nature, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is complemented by descriptors such as mild and polished, indicating a refined finish that minimizes friction and enhances overall keystroke fluidity. Users can expect a silky sensation while typing, allowing for effortless gliding across the keys. However, information regarding the feel of the HMX Twilight switch is unknown, which leaves a gap in the comparative analysis of tactile characteristics.

In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and HMX Twilight linear switches differ primarily in sound, with the former presenting a moderate, neutral sound and the latter leaning towards a quieter profile. The G Pro 3.0 Red excels in providing a smooth and refined typing experience, while details about the HMX Twilight's feel remain undisclosed. Ultimately, if sound and feel characteristics are paramount in your decision, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offers a more established solution, whereas the Twilight may appeal to those seeking a different auditory experience but lacks information on tactile qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Twilight linear switches ultimately boils down to your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you are looking for a budget-friendly switch that delivers a creamy, polished, and silky smooth typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for both home and professional settings, catering to beginners and experienced users alike. Additionally, the G Pro Red's enhanced RGB lighting capabilities can elevate your setup's visual appeal. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter operation with an extended travel distance that retains a clacky feel, the HMX Twilight might be more aligned with your needs. Its unique design may offer a distinctive typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy the subtler acoustics while typing. Ultimately, both switches are excellent in their own right, so consider your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more