Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, two notable linear switches that often come up are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Twilight. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, part of Gateron's budget-friendly line, is designed with gamers in mind, offering a shorter travel distance of just 3.4mm for faster actuation, which can offer a competitive edge during intense gaming sessions. Its medium-high pitch sound adds an exciting layer to the auditory experience, complemented by vibrant RGB lighting that can enhance your overall setup. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85mm, promoting a quieter typing experience while still retaining a satisfying clack that typists often enjoy. Both switches cater to different preferences: if you're looking for rapid responsiveness and an immersive gaming atmosphere, the G Pro 3.0 Silver might be your go-to, while the Twilight could be ideal if you prefer a mix of subtlety and pleasant acoustics for both gaming and typing. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 Twilight exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which contribute to their overall sound profiles during use. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that enhances clarity and resonance, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This stiffness in the polycarbonate allows for a more pronounced audio experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material can beautifully showcase the lights within the switch. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a mellower and deeper sound profile. The use of nylon lends a rounder audio experience, highlighting how the different materials impact not just the acoustics but also the overall typing sensation.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both The G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Twilight share a commonality as they both utilize nylon. This shared material influences their bottom-out sound and the tactile feel of the switches. The softer properties of nylon absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a fuller and more satisfying typing experience. Despite the contrasting characteristics of their top housings, the presence of nylon in both switches creates a cohesive quality in the overall sound profile, maintaining that deeper and rounder auditory experience when the keys are fully pressed.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and HMX Twilight differ significantly in their top housing materials—offering a sharp and brilliant sound versus a deeper, muffled quality—their common use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a bridge between their sound experiences. The impact of the bottom housing on the overall feel and sound when bottoming out means users can expect a similar rich and full auditory sensation regardless of the differences at the top. Therefore, while the overall typing experience may vary due to the top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom ensures that both switches will provide enjoyable and compelling tactile elements.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, both are notably light options suitable for long typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Twilight has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams, yet retains the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches share the same bottom out force, the Twilight requires less force to actuate a key press, making it the lighter option overall. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience that reduces fatigue over extended periods, the HMX Twilight might be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a slightly more substantial feel without sacrificing much weight might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Twilight boasts a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a shorter actuation distance, which could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Twilight’s longer travel distance may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper key press. Overall, if you prefer a more responsive feel for gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice, whereas the Twilight is ideal for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 switch emits a rich and deep auditory profile, characterized by a low-pitched and thocky quality. This means that each keystroke produces a satisfying, bass-heavy sound that can resonate with users, especially during gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is known for its slightly quieter operation, thanks to a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, which may lend to a more subdued sound. However, precise characteristics of the Twilight's acoustic profile are not provided, leaving some uncertainty about its specific tonal qualities. Overall, users seeking a more pronounced sound might gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is celebrated for its buttery and creamy typing experience. This smoothness facilitates a seamless keystroke, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, making it ideal for prolonged gaming marathons or typing sessions. In comparison, no information is available about the tactile qualities of the HMX Twilight, rendering its feel unknown. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver sets a high standard for smoothness and comfort, the absence of such details for the Twilight leaves potential users without a clear understanding of its performance in this area.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch excels in both sound and feel, providing a thocky auditory experience and a buttery smooth typing sensation, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, while potentially quieter due to its longer travel distance, lacks descriptive detail that leaves its sound and feel qualities less defined. Users looking for the excitement of auditory feedback and a comfortable typing experience would likely find the G Pro 3.0 Silver more appealing. However, if one appreciates a quieter typing experience without specific tactile feedback input, the HMX Twilight may still be worth exploring.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, you should consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you're a competitive gamer seeking rapid response times and enhanced auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is a clear choice. Its shorter travel distance and buttery feel allow for quick actuation, giving you an edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios, while the thocky and low-pitched sound profile adds an enjoyable acoustic element to your sessions. On the other hand, if your focus is more on a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, the HMX Twilight may be more suited for your needs. With its extended travel distance and slightly muted sound profile, it can offer a more subdued ambiance while still maintaining a satisfying typing feel. Thus, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize speed and gaming performance or a quieter, more leisurely typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
