Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and HMX Jelly switches stand out as two popular linear options, each boasting unique characteristics suited for different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is designed with gamers in mind, offering a shorter travel distance of just 3.4mm, which enables rapid key presses and heightened responsiveness crucial for competitive play. Its medium-high pitch provides an exhilarating auditory experience, complemented by vibrant RGB lighting features. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches prioritize a smooth and deep typing experience, showcasing a low-pitched and thocky sound profile thanks to their excellent factory lubrication and a lighter 42g actuation force that promises effortless key presses. While both switches deliver exceptional performance and tactile satisfaction, the choice between them may ultimately hinge on your specific needs—be it gaming prowess or a soothing typing experience. 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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Jelly, it becomes evident that each switch offers a distinct auditory experience due to their differing top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This stiffer plastic contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience, especially advantageous for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties. This results in a duller, rounder sound as it absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in clarity and brightness, the HMX Jelly leans towards warmth and fullness in sound.
On the other hand, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, creating a similarity that provides a cohesive auditory profile where it matters most. The nylon in the bottom housing offers a deeper sound, regardless of whether it’s paired with a polycarbonate top for the G Pro 3.0 Silver or a nylon top for the Jelly. This shared material results in a comparable dampening effect that impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. As such, users of both switches can enjoy a deeper and more satisfying bottom-out experience, which is pivotal in tactile response and overall typing comfort.
In essence, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Jelly diverge in the materials used for their top housings, they align in their bottom housing composition. G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate top creates a crisper sound profile, while the Jelly's nylon top imparts a rounder tone. Yet, the shared nylon bottom ensures that, despite these differences, users of both switches will encounter a robust and rich bottom-out experience, offering a harmonious typing sensation. This interplay of materials means that while the auditory characteristics will vary, both switches can nonetheless deliver pleasing results depending on the user’s preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch to the HMX Jelly linear switch, both switches feature light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Jelly offers a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Jelly switch requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver, making it the lighter option overall. For users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the heavier G Pro 3.0 Silver may provide a satisfying push feel, whereas those who opt for lighter switches, like the Jelly, can enjoy a more effortless typing experience. Overall, both switches are designed for responsiveness, but the difference in actuation and bottom out forces may influence the choice depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the HMX Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for its shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster actuation. However, some users might find the Jelly's longer travel distance more satisfying, offering a more pronounced depth that can enhance the typing experience. In summary, if responsiveness is your priority, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the recommended choice, whereas those who favor a more substantial feel may opt for the HMX Jelly switch.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 comparing the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch to the HMX Jelly switch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out with its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky characteristics. This means that each key press resonates with a rich depth and a satisfying thud, making it ideal for both gaming and general typing, as users often enjoy the auditory feedback it provides. On the other hand, the specific sound characteristics of the Jelly switch remain unknown, but given that its sound profile is not detailed, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison. If the Jelly produces a quieter sound or a different pitch entirely, users may experience variations in their overall typing ambiance depending on their setup.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is characterized by its buttery and creamy typing experience. This smooth action allows for effortless keystrokes, making it feel incredibly satisfying during extended gaming or typing sessions. Its fluid motion can enhance typing speed and reduce fatigue. In contrast, there is no information available about the feel of the HMX Jelly switch, making it challenging to draw parallels or differences regarding tactile feedback or keystroke dynamics. The lack of descriptors leaves potential Jelly users uncertain about how they might experience the switch's response during use.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch excels in delivering a rich auditory experience and a remarkably smooth keystroke feel, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists alike. Meanwhile, the HMX Jelly switch remains a mystery in both sound and tactile feel due to a lack of detailed information. For those looking for a reliable, high-performance option, the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides an exceptional balance of sound and feel, ensuring users will enjoy both their gameplay and typing experiences profoundly.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Jelly switches, consider the specific experiences you value most in your typing or gaming setup. If fast-paced gaming is your primary focus, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the superior choice thanks to its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, which translates into quicker response times and an overall competitive advantage. Its buttery and creamy feel enhances this experience, allowing you to execute rapid key presses with smoothness that feels effortless. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and immersive typing experience, the HMX Jelly linear switch, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, provides a rich, low-pitched thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. These switches excel in delivering a pleasurable auditory feedback, accompanied by a super smooth keystroke due to their excellent factory lube. In essence, opt for the G Pro 3.0 Silver if you’re seeking performance and agility, while the HMX Jelly is ideal if auditory pleasure and a smooth, tactile feel are your top priorities.
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