Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, many users gravitate toward linear options for their smooth keystrokes and quiet operation. Two compelling choices in this category are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Lucky. The G Pro 3.0 White, part of Gateron's G Pro series, stands out for its budget-friendly pricing and an ultra-light 38g actuation force, designed specifically for typists who appreciate sensitivity and ease of use. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, and its medium-high pitch produces a satisfying auditory feedback that many find appealing. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch offers a unique typing experience with its softer nylon housing, delivering a neutral and deeply satisfying feel, although specific attributes aren’t as prominently detailed as those of the G Pro White. While both switches provide a smooth experience ideal for those who prefer a linear feel, their design elements cater to different preferences—whether it's the G Pro's budget-friendly, bright-light capabilities or the Lucky's luxurious housing feel. 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
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Lucky switches are made from distinct materials for their top housings, fundamentally influencing their sound profiles during use. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This stiffer plastic allows for clearer resonance, making it particularly effective in environments where RGB lighting is utilized, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal of the lighting effects. In contrast, the HMX Lucky opts for a nylon top housing, creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherently softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, which results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, a significant departure from the sharper characteristics of the polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Lucky share a common ground as both utilize nylon. This decision leads to a rich and fuller sound profile for both switches despite their differing top housings. As nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, it ensures that both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Lucky provide a similar auditory experience when bottoms are pressed. Therefore, while the top housings may yield contrasting sound signatures—one being brighter and more resonant, and the other softer and more muted—the nylon bottoms of both switches contribute to a foundationally deeper sound that remains consistent across both models.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and HMX Lucky switches demonstrate both similarities and differences in their design and acoustics. While their bottom housings align in material and sound-absorbing properties, the diverging materials of the top housings—a stiffer polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 White versus a softer nylon in the Lucky—create an interesting dichotomy. This contrast significantly influences the auditory characteristics when typing, establishing a scenario where each switch appeals to different preferences among users. Ultimately, through the combined effects of their housing materials, both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Lucky can provide varied yet fulfilling typing experiences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch both offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for prolonged use in work or gaming scenarios. The G Pro 3.0 White has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lucky switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that, although both switches are considered light, the HMX Lucky is a tad lighter in terms of actuation force, while both bottom out forces reflect a similar lightness. Consequently, users seeking a lighter touch will find the Lucky switch preferable, whereas those who appreciate a slightly more substantial typing experience may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 White. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying feel, but each caters to different preferences in actuation and bottoming out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we find that the G Pro 3.0 White has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lucky measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This 0.2 mm difference indicates that the G Pro 3.0 White caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced, deeper keypress, which can contribute to a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky, with its shorter travel distance, may be preferred by gamers or users seeking quicker response times for a more responsive feel, although some might find this abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for keypress depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White 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 White 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch has a versatile profile that includes clacky, neutral, and subdued qualities. The clacky nature produces a sharp and snappy auditory feedback, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a pronounced sound during typing. For those looking for a more moderate experience, its neutral sound suits various environments, while the subdued aspect offers a dampened auditory experience, suitable for quieter settings. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the HMX Lucky linear switch remain unspecified, leaving a gap in sonic comparison.
Moving on to the feel, the G Pro 3.0 White excels with descriptors like creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. This combination provides a smooth and light typing sensation, significantly reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The switches are designed for effortless activation, which enhances comfort whether for gaming or work. The typing experience is gently responsive and pleasant, ensuring that users can type swiftly without strain. The tactile experience of the HMX Lucky switch, however, is also not detailed, leaving an unknown aspect regarding its performance in this category.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White offers a well-rounded combination of sound and feel that suits a variety of typists, especially those who require a light touch and responsive feedback. Its auditory and tactile qualities make it a compelling choice for both casual and intensive use. By contrast, the HMX Lucky switch remains a bit of a mystery with little information available about its sound and feel. If you're after something more specific, the G Pro 3.0 White would deliver consistent results, while further exploration is needed to ascertain the qualities of the HMX Lucky switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a super lightweight touch and enjoy a "creamy," smooth keystroke experience, the G Pro 3.0 White may be the ideal fit for you, especially if you plan to engage in extensive typing sessions where comfort matters. This switch’s brighter RGB lighting compatibility and a satisfying auditory feedback with a slightly clacky sound can also enhance your overall experience, especially for gamers and casual typists seeking an engaging atmosphere. Conversely, if you prefer a deeply satisfying and neutral feel without the extra auditory stimulation, the HMX Lucky switch, with its softer nylon housing, may appeal to you more. With a slightly lower bottom-out force, it will give you that effortless typing experience while maintaining a balanced sound profile that's suited for shared workspaces. So, consider your priorities—whether it's auditory feedback, RGB preferences, or a more subdued typing atmosphere—to choose the switch that best complements your keyboard setup.
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