Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Hibiscus stand out as notable options within the linear switch category, each catering to distinct user preferences and gaming styles. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver is celebrated for its swift actuation distance of just 3.4mm, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking rapid inputs and a competitive edge in fast-paced environments. Its vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch auditory feedback enhance the overall gaming experience, providing both visual flair and an exciting acoustic dimension. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switch offers a unique allure with its ultra-light actuation force, delivering a remarkably smooth and effortless typing experience that many typists crave. The Hibiscus is further characterized by its clacky, poppy sound, which can be satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. Both switches have their merits—whether you prioritize super-responsive gaming with the G Pro 3.0 Silver or a luxurious typing experience with the HMX Hibiscus, choosing the right switch significantly impacts your overall satisfaction. 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
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T3
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Hibiscus both utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, an attribute that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which allows for a more resonant and clear audio output. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus is equipped with a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, which causes it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a dulled and rounder tonal quality. This essential difference in materials means that users can expect a higher-pitched sound from the G Pro 3.0 Silver while experiencing a richer, more rounded sound from the Hibiscus.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which creates a consistent auditory experience. As a classic housing material, nylon adds depth to the overall sound profile; therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound—the sound and feel produced when a key is fully pressed down—both switches will deliver similar results. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, enhancing the fullness of the key press characteristic of both models. Despite the contrast in their top housings, the nylon bottoms ensure that the tactile and auditory experience remains cohesive across both switches when bottoming out.
In summary, the G Pro 3.0 Silver and HMX Hibiscus exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, influencing their sound profiles—where one offers a sharper tone and the other a fuller resonance. Nevertheless, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a unified experience when pressing down on the switches. As such, while the overall sound characteristics differ during the actuation and release of the keys due to the distinct top housing materials, the resultant experience upon bottoming out will exhibit similarities, showcasing nylon's capacity to deliver a satisfying and deep sound to both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, both switches exhibit light force characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Hibiscus features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This indicates that the Hibiscus switch is the lighter option overall. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience suitable for long periods, but the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a bit more resistance, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel. Despite their differences, users can expect a relatively similar typing experience given that both switches are designed within the same light force category, making them ideal for extensive work or gaming sessions while still maintaining distinct characteristics in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Hibiscus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate actuation. In contrast, the Hibiscus, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a less abrupt typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for quick responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice, while the Hibiscus caters to a preference for a more traditional, deeper feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 Silver switches are characterized by their deep, rich auditory profile, often described as bassy and low-pitched. This results in a thocky tone that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke, evoking a feeling of weight and depth during typing or gaming sessions. The sound produced is reminiscent of a soft knock and is designed to enhance the immersion in gaming environments. On the other hand, the sound signature of the HMX Hibiscus switches remains unknown, which leaves some uncertainty regarding their auditory characteristics. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches provide a notably smooth typing experience, described as buttery and creamy. This implies that users will enjoy a seamless and fluid keystroke, making them suitable for rapid typing or gaming where responsiveness is crucial. The design and materials ensure that fingers can glide effortlessly across the keys, resulting in minimal resistance. As for the HMX Hibiscus switches, specific details regarding their tactile feedback and overall feel are not available, leaving a gap in direct comparison.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches stand out with their thocky sound and fluid feel, making them a great option for gamers seeking quick and satisfying keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switches present unknown qualities that may influence your choice. If you're looking for similar auditory and tactile experiences, the G Pro Silver's characteristics offer reliable and enjoyable performance, while the Hibiscus continues to remain a mystery, emphasizing the importance of sound and feel in mechanical keyboard selections.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch ultimately depends on your primary use case and preferences. If you're a gamer looking for rapid response times and a tactile gaming experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is your best bet. With its lightweight actuation force, shorter travel distance, and low-pitched thocky sound profile, this switch excels at delivering quick actions without compromise, making it an excellent choice for high-performance gaming setups. On the other hand, if you prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience and a satisfying auditory feedback, the HMX Hibiscus switch is well-suited for you. This switch provides a creamy and buttery feel, coupled with a unique clacky sound signature that enhances your typing sessions, making it ideal for long hours of writing or casual use where the enjoyment of typing is key. In summary, choose G Pro 3.0 Silver for competitive gaming and choose the HMX Hibiscus for a luxurious typing experience.
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