Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as two excellent linear options tailored toward gamers, yet they cater to different preferences and play styles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is renowned for its budget-friendly price and exceptional gaming performance, featuring a shorter travel distance of just 3.4mm that enables lightning-fast responsiveness—perfect for gaining an edge in competitive gaming. With its medium-high pitch sound profile and vibrant RGB lighting, it not only enhances your gaming experience but also adds an aesthetic touch to your setup. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered for speed, boasting an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid-fire keystrokes. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth keystroke make it an attractive option for gamers seeking rapid inputs and tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique strengths, making them appealing for various preferences; 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches present distinct audio profiles influenced by their structural components. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucence, which produces a sharper and crisper sound, particularly well-suited for setups involving RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, a classic material characterized by its softer nature. This softness leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more subdued acoustic experience. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in top housing material significantly impacts the auditory characteristics experienced during use.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches share the same advantage of nylon, which is renowned for its sound-dampening properties. This commonality results in a similar foundational sound quality that is deeper and rounder for both switches, as the nylon material absorbs more sound waves compared to stiffer plastics. This similarity provides a consistent bottom-out feel across both models, enhancing their overall performance for typing. In this regard, users can expect a gratifying tactile feedback from either switch, despite the variance in their respective top housings.
In terms of overall performance, the combination of material differences in the top and shared characteristics in the bottom housing presents a unique blend for each switch. Users opting for the G Pro 3.0 Silver can anticipate a crisper sound when releasing keys thanks to the polycarbonate top housing, while the HMX Vintage Citrus will offer a more rounded auditory experience, particularly evident during typing. Consequently, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver may cater to those who cherish a brighter sound profile, the Vintage Citrus stands as a compelling option for those who prefer a warmer and richer acoustic environment.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we can observe notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less force to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to those who prefer a firmer push while typing. Thus, users seeking a lighter feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Silver, while those desiring a more robust typing experience might lean towards the Vintage Citrus. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the varied user preferences when selecting a mechanical switch for their keyboard.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a more substantial overall key press in comparison to the Vintage Citrus, making it potentially more satisfying for users who prefer a deeper and more tactile experience. On the contrary, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker key actuation, which is particularly appealing to gamers seeking rapid response times. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more traditional depth in their key presses may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the longer switch, while the Vintage Citrus is the shorter option.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches differ significantly. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is characterized by a deeper, richer sound, often described as bassy and low-pitched, giving it a satisfying thocky resonance during key presses. This lower tone resembles a “thud” or a soft “knock,” which can enhance the auditory experience for users who appreciate a more substantial sound while typing or gaming. In contrast, the sound profile of the Vintage Citrus is not provided, making it difficult to compare directly. However, users interested in sound will find that the G Pro 3.0 Silver delivers a distinctive auditory feedback suited for an immersive gaming experience.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation. This smoothness translates to an effortless, fluid keystroke experience where fingers glide over the keys without resistance, creating a satisfying tactile feedback with each press. The factory-lubricated nature and specific materials contribute to this silky feel, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the Vintage Citrus switch have not been specified, leaving an open avenue for exploration in terms of tactile response. A smooth feel enhances performance, and while the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in this aspect, further details on the Vintage Citrus would be needed to provide a thorough comparison.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch stands out for both its sound and feel, offering a richer auditory experience coupled with a buttery typing sensation that can greatly enhance gaming and typing performance. The absence of specific sound and feel descriptions for the Vintage Citrus switch means we can only speculate about its qualities. Therefore, if one is looking for a reliable and immersive keyboard experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides an exceptional option, while the Vintage Citrus awaits further details for a proper assessment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches primarily hinges on your specific preferences and needs in both gaming and typing experiences. If you’re looking for a switch that delivers rapid response times and a satisfying, low-pitched sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force of 50 grams makes it particularly suitable for gaming, allowing you to make quick, precise inputs without much effort. The buttery and creamy feel enhances your typing experience, making it enjoyable for both gamers and typists alike. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams and value quick, tactile feedback, the Vintage Citrus may be more your speed, especially with its exceptionally low actuation point of just 1mm, which can significantly benefit rapid input scenarios. Designed to offer a bright, clacky sound profile, the Vintage Citrus switch provides an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance your gaming and typing experience. Therefore, if you’re a gamer who thrives on speed and responsiveness, go for the G Pro 3.0 Silver; however, if you favor an energetic feedback with quick actuation, the Vintage Citrus would be the ideal pick for you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what aspects of keyboard performance you value the most.
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