Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing or gaming experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches is crucial, and two intriguing options in the linear switch category are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Lotus (Heavy). The G Pro 3.0 Silver is designed with gamers in mind, boasting a shorter travel distance of just 3.4mm for quick responsiveness, making it an ideal choice for those who crave speed and precision. With a vibrant RGB lighting effect and a medium-high pitch sound profile, it creates an immersive and exciting atmosphere for gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a more tactile experience with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a satisfying bounce with a bright, resonant sound that adds a delightful auditory element to every keystroke. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in rapid actuation and value, the Lotus (Heavy) provides a more robust feel and auditory pleasure. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), a clear distinction emerges, particularly in their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic allows for an enhanced auditory experience, especially when illuminated with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate facilitates optimal light diffusion. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, a more traditional choice that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer nature results in a sound that is more subdued and rounder compared to the pronounced clarity of polycarbonate. This fundamental difference in material significantly influences the auditory feedback participants experience while typing on each switch.
Both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) employ nylon for their bottom housings, which fosters a similarity in their sound profiles, albeit expressed differently due to the contrasting top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a softer sound, absorbing vibrations and generating a more rounded and rich auditory feel. This shared quality means that while the overall sound experience may diverge during keypresses due to the distinct upper materials, both switches exhibit a consistent floor in sound dampening thanks to their common nylon base. Consequently, the bottom-out feel and sound experienced may resonate similarly, allowing typists to feel a certain level of familiarity with both switches despite their varied sound signatures when keys are released.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and HMX Lotus (Heavy) showcase how diverse housing materials can lead to distinct typing experiences. The polycarbonate top of the G Pro 3.0 Silver sharpens sound and enhances clarity, ideal for those who prioritize an explicit sound profile, particularly in RGB setups. In contrast, the nylon top of the Lotus (Heavy) promotes a deeper tone, appealing to users seeking a more muted and rounded auditory feedback. Ultimately, while they diverge in upper housing materials, the shared nylon bottoms create a fundamental similarity that can unify the typing experience for those who appreciate the distinct attributes of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch to the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and a firmer push. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the lighter option, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier switch. The differences in these force measurements suggest that these switches will deliver distinctly different typing experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver facilitating longer usage with less finger fatigue, while the Lotus offers a more robust tactile feedback for users who prefer stronger resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) measures slightly longer at 3.5 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that gamers may prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a bit more depth, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial press. Ultimately, both switches are relatively close in travel distance, but if you're looking for the quickest response, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice. However, if you value a deeper, more deliberate keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) would likely suit your preferences better.
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 Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches produce a satisfying, low-pitched, thocky sound profile that is rich and deep, resembling a soft "thud" upon key press and release. The bassy undertones heighten the auditory experience, making each keystroke feel more substantial and rewarding. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches are not detailed, leaving it unclear how they compare in auditory quality. However, the unique qualities of the G Pro Silver ensure that it presents a compelling option for users who appreciate a pronounced and engaging sound profile in their typing.
Regarding feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are marked by their buttery and creamy sensations, offering an exceptionally smooth and seamless typing experience. The combination of materials and possibly factory-applied lubricants contributes to the effortless gliding action of the keystrokes. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches. Without this data, it is not possible to draw a direct comparison, but the G Pro Silver's renowned smoothness may appeal to those prioritizing a fluid typing sensation.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches stand out with their deep sound profile and remarkably smooth keystroke experience, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches lack the available details to make a conclusive comparison in both sound and feel. Nonetheless, those seeking robust auditory feedback and a pleasurable typing experience will find the G Pro Silver to be a reliable option, providing engaging sound and fluid action that cater to both gamers and typists alike.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you're primarily a gamer seeking rapid response times and a lighter keystroke sensation, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is an excellent fit, especially with its shorter travel distance that promotes quick actions. The buttery and creamy feel, combined with the thocky sound profile, makes for an engaging and satisfying experience during intense gaming sessions, all while still being budget-friendly. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile, heavier switch that delivers a lively auditory experience, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch would be your go-to. Its medium-heavy weight and bouncy feel provide a gratifying feedback on each keystroke, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, whether for casual use or creative work. By considering these aspects, you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing or gaming needs, ensuring an enjoyable and efficient experience on your mechanical keyboard.
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