Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out for gamers and typists alike: the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Macchiato. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are celebrated for their impressive gaming performance, featuring a shorter travel distance of just 3.4mm that enables rapid actuation, making them ideal for fast-paced competitive gaming. Additionally, these switches offer a medium-high pitch sound profile, delivering an exhilarating auditory experience while you play, not to mention their compatibility with vibrant RGB lighting that enhances the overall aesthetic of your setup. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato switches, crafted by YG Studio, prioritize a silky smooth typing experience and are designed to produce a bright sound profile that many users find satisfying. While both switches are linear, catering to users who prefer a silent and smooth keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 Silver leans towards an aggressive gaming focus, whereas the Macchiato offers a more refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Macchiato, one notices a distinct difference between their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which lends it a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer properties. This material is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a crisper auditory experience, especially in setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of illuminated key switches. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato employs nylon for its top housing, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, producing a rounder and more muted auditory experience that may be more appealing to those who favor a softer touch while typing.
Both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Macchiato feature nylon in their bottom housings, contributing to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound. The nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver echoes the traditional qualities of nylon noted in the Macchiato, whereby its softer composition dampens sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder auditory sensation during key presses. This shared material results in a similar bottom-out sound and tactile feel for both switches, highlighting that while the top housings differ significantly in sound characteristics, the bottom housing retains a consistent approach to auditory feedback and typing comfort.
Ultimately, the synthesis of different materials in the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Macchiato leads to varied yet complementary experiences. With the polycarbonate top in the G Pro 3.0 Silver sharpening the sound profile while the nylon bottom maintains a softer, rounded feel, it contrasts with the Macchiato’s uniform nylon housing that delivers a consistently fuller sound throughout. The divergent soundscapes created by these materials emphasize the importance of housing composition in mechanical switches, allowing users to choose their preference based on desired auditory characteristics while still benefiting from the soft, dampened bottom housing that both switches share.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, both offer a relatively light and comfortable typing experience, though they do have some differences in actuation force. The G Pro 3.0 Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Macchiato is slightly lighter at 42 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, which means they provide similar tactile feedback upon pressing all the way down. This aspect allows users to achieve a consistent feel regardless of which switch they choose. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Macchiato may be a more suitable option, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver, being slightly heavier, can provide a more substantial push feel that some typists might prefer. Overall, both switches cater to a light typing experience, but with the Macchiato's lower actuation force, it stands out as the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there is a distinct difference: the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Macchiato switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver the shorter option, aligning with the trend of shorter travel distances favored by gamers for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Macchiato switch offers a longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when typing. Therefore, if you seek a swift response, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the better choice, while the Macchiato accommodates a preference for deeper feedback.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 offer a distinctive auditory experience characterized by their bassy, low-pitched, and thocky qualities. These switches produce a deep and rich sound during key presses, creating a satisfying thud reminiscent of a soft knock, which can enhance the overall pleasure of typing or gaming. This sound profile can be especially appealing for gamers looking for an immersive experience, as it complements the vibrant RGB lighting of the switch. On the other hand, the details regarding the auditory characteristics of the HMX Macchiato switches are unspecified, making it difficult to directly compare their sound profile to that of the G Pro 3.0 Silver. However, depending on the board and keycaps used, the overall sound experience might still be influenced significantly.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches stand out with descriptors such as buttery and creamy, indicating a notably smooth, effortless keystroke experience. The buttery quality implies a seamless typing sensation, while the creamy aspect suggests that these switches provide a silky feel, making each keystroke feel like a glide across the keys. This combination fosters a highly enjoyable typing experience, whether engaged in gaming or general use. As for the HMX Macchiato switches, there is no information provided about their feel, leaving a gap in understanding how they might perform in comparison to the G Pro 3.0 Silver in this aspect.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are characterized by their rich, bassy sound and incredibly smooth typing feel, making them an attractive option for gamers seeking performance and sensory pleasure. While the auditory qualities of the HMX Macchiato switches remain unknown, and their feel has not been described, if they embody a different experience, they could still appeal to users based on unique attributes. Ultimately, the responsiveness and sound profile of the G Pro 3.0 Silver offer distinct advantages, but potential users might find a different yet satisfying experience with the Macchiato switches if they prefer smoother and brighter auditory characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Macchiato linear switches, your decision should hinge upon your primary usage and personal preferences. If you're a gamer seeking lightning-fast responsiveness and a deeper auditory presence with a rich, thocky sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are tailored for you. Their shorter travel distance and 50-gram bottom-out force create an ideal setup for rapid key presses and reactions, giving you a competitive edge in gameplay. On the other hand, if you prioritize typing comfort and auditory pleasure for a more enjoyable everyday experience, the HMX Macchiato may be your go-to choice. Although it also features a 50-gram actuation, it offers a unique, silky smooth typing sensation, perfect for long typing sessions or casual use. Each switch shines in its own realm: choose the G Pro 3.0 for gaming dynamism and impactful sound, and the Macchiato for a refined, pleasurable typing experience. Ultimately, your needs and environment will guide your selection, ensuring that you make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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