Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX SU offer unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 White stands out with its exceptionally light actuation force of just 38g, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a delicate touch and want a responsive typing experience. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal for gamers or those who enjoy illuminated setups. The G Pro White is characterized by a clacky, creamy feel that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX SU provides a subtly deeper sound profile thanks to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, making it a great option for individuals who prefer a more understated auditory feedback while typing. While the SU may not offer the vibrant lighting effects of the G Pro, it adds a touch of robustness to the overall 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX SU, one key distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is often accentuated when RGB lighting is used, thanks to the material's ability to let light shine through effectively. In contrast, the HMX SU uses a nylon top housing, a softer material that absorbs sound and results in a deeper, rounder auditory experience. This notable difference in top housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch, making the G Pro 3.0 White more suitable for users seeking a brighter sound, while the HMX SU caters to those who prefer a warmer, more muted typing sound.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the G Pro 3.0 White and HMX SU share a nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that when bottoming out the switches, both models will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile typical of nylon. The plush quality and sound-dampening characteristics of the nylon contribute significantly to the tactile experience, regardless of the distinct feel emerging from the top housing. Thus, while the top housing materials diverge in their sonic output, the consistency in the bottom housing creates a unified experience for users, ensuring that both switches retain a certain familiarity in their overall acoustic behavior.
Moreover, the impact of each housing material on the switch experience is distinctly observable during key presses. The G Pro 3.0 White will offer a more resonant and crisp sound during key release due to its polycarbonate top, while the bottoming out will feel universally cushioned and muffled because of its nylon bottom. On the other hand, the HMX SU will provide a richer bottoming sound and feel from its lower nylon housing, but the release will lack the bright resonance found in the G Pro 3.0 White. Therefore, while the two switches manifest differing characteristics attributed to their top housings, the end results during typing will demonstrate how the unique properties of each material can harmoniously coexist, delivering a well-rounded performance despite their contrasts.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch both fall into the category of light switches, yet they exhibit differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 White features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the HMX SU has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a heavier switch. This difference can significantly affect the typing experience; users who favor prolonged typing or gaming sessions might prefer the G Pro 3.0 for its lower effort requirements, while those seeking a more substantial tactile feedback might gravitate towards the HMX SU. While both switches are generally considered light, the G Pro 3.0 provides a gentler push feel, making it more suitable for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The G Pro 3.0 White features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the HMX SU has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter. This difference may impact the typing experience, where the G Pro 3.0 may provide a more substantial feel with its deeper travel, ideal for users who prefer a hearty depth in their key presses. Conversely, the HMX SU's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those seeking quicker responsiveness, often favored by gamers for its shorter actuation, allowing for faster response times. Thus, your choice will depend on whether you favor a more tactile experience or quicker actuation.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 White is characterized as having a medium-high pitch that produces an auditory experience described as clacky, neutral, and subdued. This means it can offer a lively response that some users find satisfying, while also being subdued enough for quieter environments. The HMX SU switch, on the other hand, features a relatively deep sound profile, though specific descriptors for its auditory characteristics are not provided. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 White is more versatile in sound, the HMX SU’s sound quality remains somewhat ambiguous.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White shines due to its creamy and silky nature, making key presses feel exceptionally smooth and effortless. The easy-to-press actuation and feathery lightness allow users to type comfortably without experiencing finger fatigue, which is ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. There is, however, no information available on the feel of the HMX SU switch. Thus, it's difficult to draw a comparison regarding tactile feedback and typing experience since the subjective qualities for the SU remain unknown.
Considering both switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White clearly stands out as an excellent option for those seeking both an engaging auditory experience and a smooth, effortless typing feel. It combines a high degree of functionality and versatility, making it a great choice for various applications. Meanwhile, the HMX SU offers an enticing deep sound profile, but without further details on its tactile characteristics, it remains an unknown entity in terms of feel. Ultimately, both switches can appeal to different preferences, but the G Pro 3.0 White offers a more well-rounded experience based on the available information.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a particularly light and effortless typing experience, along with a crisp and clacky sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 White is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 38 grams makes it ideal for delicate typists or anyone looking to reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Moreover, if you enjoy a brighter RGB lighting effect, the frosted light diffuser makes this switch a standout option for customization enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a more subtle, deeper sound profile, the HMX SU switch may be more suited to your tastes. Its 50-gram bottom-out force offers a tactile experience that can be satisfying for typists who appreciate a bit more resistance without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, if you're working in shared spaces where sound levels matter, the SU's muted audio profile makes it an appealing choice. In sum, weigh your typing style, sound preference, and intended environment to determine which switch will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience to its fullest.
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