Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your overall experience, particularly for gaming enthusiasts and typists alike. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches stand out due to their impressive gaming responsiveness, featuring a shorter travel distance of just 3.4mm, which ensures quick key actuations and gives players a competitive edge. Additionally, their vibrant RGB lighting and pleasing auditory feedback create an immersive environment. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches provide a different experience, with a softer nylon housing that contributes to a smooth and neutral typing feel, catering to those who prioritize comfort and satisfaction during extended use. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in a fast-paced gaming setting, the Lucky switches appeal to users looking for a balanced and enjoyable 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Lucky switches, there is a distinct difference in the choice of plastics used for the top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it particularly suitable for users seeking a bright audio experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Lucky employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer texture. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a rounder acoustic experience that absorbs more sound, creating a more subdued auditory effect. Thus, the materials not only influence the sound characteristics but also cater to different preferences in user experience.
Both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Lucky utilize nylon for their bottom housings, indicating a shared quality in this aspect. This consistency in material leads to similar characteristics between the two switches when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material, both models elicit a deeper and fuller sound signature through their nylon bottom housings, absorbing sound effectively and resulting in a warm typing experience. This means that while the top housings diverge significantly in sound profile and aesthetic applicability, the nylon bottoms provide a common ground that contributes to an appealing auditory sensation during typing.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Lucky switches reflect a dichotomy in housing materials with the former opting for a polycarbonate top housing for a brighter sound and the latter utilizing nylon for a warmer, fuller audio quality. Yet, they converge on the nylon bottom housing, which fosters a similar typing experience, exhibiting characteristics that enhance sound absorption and richness. Users who appreciate the contrasting aural qualities can experiment with these switches to find a balance that suits their preferences, as these materials distinctly shape the overall sound and feel of each key press.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge, highlighting the preferences they cater to. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a gently heavier feel for typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This difference means that the Lucky switch can provide a quicker response with less effort, ideal for extended usage without fatigue. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter touch and a snappier feel, the HMX Lucky would be the better choice. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly more substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would serve you well, even though both switches fall into the light category overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter of the two options, while the HMX Lucky features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This distinction suggests that gamers and those seeking quick response times might prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver, as its shorter travel distance can facilitate faster actuation. Conversely, users who appreciate a more substantial key press and a deeper experience will likely gravitate towards the HMX Lucky, with its longer travel distance allowing for a more pronounced tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 deliver a rich auditory experience characterized by their deep, low-pitched thocky tones. This sound profile offers a deep resonance that adds a layer of satisfaction to each keystroke, making it particularly enjoyable during intense gaming sessions. The switches' bassy nature can be likened to the satisfying thud of a soft knock, enhancing the overall experience. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch does not have a specified sound profile, leaving an unknown quality when it comes to the auditory feedback they provide. As such, users might find themselves with a quieter experience or simply a different, less defined sound when using these switches.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches cater to a smooth typing experience, described as both buttery and creamy. These descriptors suggest that the actuation and release of the keys are fluid and effortless, allowing fingers to glide across the keyboard seamlessly. The detailed absence of feedback on the HMX Lucky linear switches means that their feel remains uncertain, leaving potential users to wonder how they might compare in terms of smoothness or resistance during typing or gaming sessions.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are specifically highlighted for their rich sound and fluid feel, the qualities of the HMX Lucky linear switch remain largely unknown. Users seeking an engaging audio experience and a satisfying typing sensation will find the G Pro 3.0 Silver a compelling option. However, for those curious about the HMX Lucky, more information would be needed to draw any parallels or identify distinct benefits. With the known information, users can anticipate a highly responsive and enjoyable experience with the G Pro 3.0 Silver, while the Lucky switches present an intriguing but undefined alternative.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, your specific needs and preferences should heavily guide your decision. If you’re primarily a gamer looking for rapid response times and an engaging auditory experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is an excellent fit with its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, light 50-gram bottom-out force, and distinctive thocky, low-pitched sound profile that enhances your gaming sessions. This switch truly shines in fast-paced settings, providing a buttery and creamy keystroke that ensures you won’t miss a beat during critical moments. On the other hand, if your usage leans more towards typing for prolonged periods or you prefer a softer feel, the HMX Lucky switch would be your go-to option. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 43 grams and its neutral, satisfying feedback, these switches provide a comfortable typing experience that excels in everyday use. Additionally, the subtle yet appealing design adds a touch of personality to your keyboard. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you want a switch optimized for gaming performance or one that offers a balanced and pleasurable typing experience.
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