Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Vintage Citrus both offer enticing benefits, although they cater to slightly different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White shines with its budget-friendly design and an impressively light actuation force of 38g, making it an excellent choice for typists who value effortless keystrokes. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, while the switch's medium-high pitch yields a satisfying auditory feedback, perfect for users seeking a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, offering an ultra-light actuation force of just 1mm for rapid-fire inputs, and a bright, clacky sound profile that adds excitement to every keystroke. While the Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 White fosters a more subdued yet pleasant typing atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are distinct in their construction, leading to different auditory experiences. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which lends a sharper and crisper sound profile. This resonating quality is accentuated further when RGB lighting is used, as the polycarbonate's translucence highlights the lighting effects. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon means it tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials sets the two switches apart in terms of the acoustics generated when the keys are released.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Vintage Citrus feature nylon in this component. This uniformity in the bottom housing means that both switches will exhibit similar deeper, fuller sounds when bottoming out, a characteristic associated with nylon's sound-absorbing properties. However, while the bottom of the switch contributes to the overall feel and sound upon bottoming out, the experience is nuanced by the top housing materials. In the case of the G Pro 3.0 White, the top housing's polycarbonate construction will create a more pronounced sound upon key release, contrasting with the rounded sound that will come from the nylon top housing of the Vintage Citrus.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White yields a unique tactile and auditory experience distinct from the all-nylon construction of the Vintage Citrus. Users can expect a sharp, bright sound when releasing the key on the G Pro 3.0 White, thanks to the polycarbonate top, whereas the Vintage Citrus will provide a quieter and muffled sound profile throughout both the bottoming out and key release stages. Despite the shared nylon bottom, the differences in the top housing are crucial in defining each switch's overall performance and feel. Users seeking a crisper sound may prefer the G Pro 3.0 White, while those inclined towards a warmer, rounder acoustic quality may lean towards the Vintage Citrus.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 White boasts a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users seeking a minimal effort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback while typing. This means that while the G Pro 3.0 White provides a smoother and less demanding typing experience, the Vintage Citrus offers a stronger push feel for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. As a result, users can expect a lighter touch with the G Pro 3.0 White, whereas the Vintage Citrus delivers a slightly more robust experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences emerge. The G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional switch design, providing a more pronounced and deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to the modern trend where gamers often prefer quicker response times that shorter distances can provide. As such, the G Pro 3.0 White is the longer option, while the Vintage Citrus is the shorter one. Those who appreciate a more tactile experience may lean toward the G Pro 3.0, whereas gamers or individuals seeking a swift and responsive keystroke might favor the HMX Vintage Citrus.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and HMX Vintage Citrus both share a clacky sound profile, characterized by a bright and percussive auditory experience. The G Pro 3.0 White, however, also encompasses additional sound descriptors such as neutral and subdued, suggesting it can cater to a range of preferences. Users of the G Pro might find it suitable for various environments, from home to office settings, depending on the overall acoustic environment, while anyone choosing the Vintage Citrus can expect that unmistakable sharpness when typing, designed to provide an exhilarating auditory feedback ideal for gaming. The choice of board and keycaps will further influence the final sound output for both switches.
Regarding feel, the G Pro 3.0 White excels in providing a creamy and silky typing experience with its light actuation force, making it effortless for extended use without causing finger fatigue. This feel is enhanced by its easy-to-press nature, rendering it suitable for users who prioritize comfort and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus presents a distinctly snappy and invigorating feel that caters more to gamers looking for fast responsiveness. While both switches are designed to deliver positive user experiences, they focus on different aspects: the G Pro 3.0 White prioritizes comfort and fluidity, whereas the Vintage Citrus emphasizes responsiveness and excitement in key presses.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches provide differing yet appealing experiences. While both offer a clacky auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 White caters more to those seeking a comfortable and smooth typing experience, making it ideal for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is focused on rapid, responsive action, perfect for gamers needing swift input. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize typing comfort or speed in your keyboard experience, as both switches will serve their intended purposes well.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch will depend largely on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter keyboard experience, characterized by effortless key presses and a creamy, silky feel, the G Pro 3.0 White is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force makes it particularly appealing for delicate typists or those who engage in prolonged typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting capability and clacky sound profile can enhance your overall aesthetic and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, if you are a gamer or someone who prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus could be more suitable. With a slightly heavier actuation force and an invigorating, snappy feel, this switch excels in rapid-fire scenarios, making it perfect for competitive gameplay. Its bright, clacky sound adds an engaging element to your interactions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a lighter, more fluid typing experience or a more responsive and tactile feedback suited for fast-paced activities.
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