Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus brings distinct characteristics suited for different user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it an excellent choice for typists and casual gamers alike who appreciate a smooth typing experience and vibrant RGB lighting with its frosted light diffuser. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus caters specifically to gamers, featuring a low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid inputs and a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an engaging auditory element to gameplay. While the G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its affordability and polished feel, the Vintage Citrus is designed for speed and precision, making it a go-to for competitive gaming. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus, the key difference lies in the materials used for the top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for setups with RGB lighting, as it allows for more vibrant illumination through the switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus opts for a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its softer composition, which tends to absorb sound rather than enhance it, leading to a duller and fuller sound profile. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a brighter auditory experience, the Vintage Citrus provides a more muted, warm ambiance during typing.
Interestingly, both switches have nylon for their bottom housing, which creates uniformity in the sound profile during the actuation and bottom-out phases. The nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, as it dampens the sound with its softer structure. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differing top housings, both switches will deliver a consistent tactile feel and sound during the key press due to their nylon bottom houses. In essence, while typing on both switches will feel different as they ascend or descend, the bottom-out sound will retain a comparable depth thanks to the inclusion of nylon in both designs.
Ultimately, the overall typing experience on both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus will be defined by how the unique combination of their housing materials interacts. While the polycarbonate top of the G Pro 3.0 Red may allow for a more pronounced sound when releasing the key, the nylon on both switches will ensure a rich, deep sound when the key is pressed down. This means that users can expect similarities in the bottom-out sound and feel while experiencing distinctive auditory feedback during different phases of typing based on the differing top housing materials. Thus, both switches cater to varying preferences in sound profile and aesthetics, despite their shared bottom housing material conveying some commonality in the overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions would find the G Pro 3.0 Red more comfortable, while those who appreciate a more substantial push feel would lean towards the HMX Vintage Citrus. As such, if you favor lighter switches for prolonged use, the G Pro 3.0 Red may offer a more suitable experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear difference to note. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the more traditional choices that many typists and gamers appreciate for its deeper feel. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, which aligns with modern preferences for quicker key presses and faster response times, especially favored by gamers. This difference in travel distance suggests that users who enjoy a more robust tactile experience may prefer the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, while those seeking a more responsive and agile feel may opt for the HMX Vintage Citrus. Thus, if you're looking for a profundity in key travel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the longer option, whereas the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, is the shorter alternative.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 presents a neutral auditory profile. This balanced sound makes it suitable for a wide range of settings, whether at home, in an office, or during competitive gaming. Its medium-high pitch offers a satisfying yet unobtrusive experience, allowing you to enjoy your typing without causing a distraction to those around you. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is noted for its bright, clacky sound profile, which can be appealing for gamers looking for an energetic feedback during fast-paced gameplay. However, it’s essential to recognize that the overall sound experience can be affected by other components such as the keyboard case and keycap materials, which makes it difficult to definitively compare the two on sound alone.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red shines with its creamy, mild, polished, and silky characteristics. This combination assures users of a smooth typing experience that allows for easy keystrokes with minimal resistance, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons alike. The actuation force strikes a comfortable balance, providing just enough feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the specifics of the feel for the Vintage Citrus switch remain unknown, but given its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, we can reasonably anticipate a lighter and faster response that could appeal to gamers seeking rapid inputs.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different user preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The G Pro Red is especially advantageous for users seeking a versatile switch with smooth, mild characteristics, while the Vintage Citrus is tailored more for gamers needing speed and responsiveness. Although there may be differences between the two, each offers unique qualities that can satisfy various needs. Choosing between them ultimately depends on individual priorities, whether it's the neutrality and smoothness of the G Pro Red or the lively clackiness of the Vintage Citrus.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch will depend largely on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience that balances ease of use with a satisfying auditory quality, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it suitable for both casual typing and professional environments, allowing you to enjoy brighter RGB lighting thanks to its frosted light diffuser. This switch is perfect for you if you're new to mechanical keyboards or are seeking a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and rapid-fire key inputs, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch might be the better fit for your gaming setup. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 53 grams and a bright, clacky sound profile, it is designed specifically for gamers who thrive on quick responses and precise keystrokes. Therefore, consider what matters most in your typing or gaming experience; choose the G Pro 3.0 Red for versatility and smoothness, or the Vintage Citrus if performance and tactile feedback in a fast-paced environment take precedence.
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