Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White stands out as a budget-friendly option particularly appealing to delicate typists, thanks to its exceptionally light actuation force of just 38g. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking effortless keystrokes and responsive performance, enriched further by its frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting effects. Its auditory feedback is characterized as medium-high pitch, providing a slightly clacky yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) caters to users who prefer a more substantial touch, featuring a heavier actuation force and crafted for a richer acoustic profile. Made from unique materials, such as a PA12 top housing and POM stem, the Xinhai offers a distinct crispness and a blend of sophistication and performance that appeals to those who value a solid typing feel. Each switch presents its unique advantages depending on your typing style and personal 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
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic makes it particularly conducive to RGB lighting setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This material tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a more dull and rounded auditory experience. Thus, the choice of top housing directly influences the tonal qualities and aesthetic outcomes of the switches.
Both switches have nylon as their bottom housing material, which aligns their performance in certain aspects. The nylon used in both the G Pro 3.0 White and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) facilitates a deeper sound profile, providing a substantial and more rounded auditory feel during typing. This similarity suggests that while the character of the sound may differ due to the contrasting top housings, the bottom housing will play a crucial role in delivering a consistent typing experience. As both switches share this nylon material on the bottom, users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to an overall pleasant typing experience.
In summary, the differences in top housing materials between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) create distinct sound profiles, with polycarbonate lending a clearer resonance and nylon providing a fuller depth. However, the use of nylon in both switches' bottom housings means they will offer analogous performance in terms of sound and impact when bottoming out the key. Consequently, while the overall sound of each switch may differ significantly during the release phase owing to the top housing material, the foundational typing characteristics share a commonality that enhances the responsiveness and satisfaction during use.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both 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 significantly lighter and more suitable for those who prefer extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to users who enjoy a stronger push feel and more substantial typing experience. Thus, the G Pro 3.0 White is the lighter option, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier choice. As such, if you're looking for a more forgiving typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White would be ideal, while the Xinhai (Heavy) would be better suited for those who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offer different travel distances, which can significantly affect the typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 White features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke and tactile feedback may find the G Pro 3.0 advantageous. In contrast, those who favor quicker response times and a less abrupt feel might lean towards the Xinhai (Heavy) due to its shorter travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness in their typing experience.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 White switch exhibits a range of auditory characteristics. It can be described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound that typists will find rewarding. The switch also possesses a neutral sound profile, making it versatile enough to be suitable for both work and play without being overly noisy. Additionally, it has a subdued nature, presenting a dampened sound that is not too loud or intrusive, making it comfortable for use in shared environments. Conversely, specific details regarding the sound characteristics of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch are unknown, which leaves an understanding of its acoustic profile open-ended.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White excels with descriptors such as creamy and silky, providing a smooth, buttery typing experience that enhances comfort during long typing sessions. Its easy-to-press and feathery qualities further contribute to a low-effort tactile experience that minimizes finger fatigue. The mild and subtle sensations allow for a balanced typing encounter, making it approachable for users of all skill levels. However, the feel attributes of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch are also unknown, which means we have no comparative data regarding its tactile feedback or resistance.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is a fantastic option for newcomers, thanks to its budget-friendly pricing, pleasant auditory feedback, and smooth typing experience. While the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch shows promise, its comparative qualities remain uncertain, particularly in terms of sound and feel. If you prioritize a refined typing experience with clear auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 White could be the better choice. However, for those intrigued by the potential of the Xinhai (Heavy) variant, further exploration will be needed to determine how it fits into your typing preferences. For similar sound and feel experiences, users can select the G Pro 3.0 White for a well-rounded mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a lighter touch and need a switch that allows for effortless typing while reducing finger fatigue, the G Pro 3.0 White is your best bet. Its low actuation force of 38g, combined with a creamy and silky feel, makes it perfect for long typing sessions, whether at work or during gaming. Furthermore, its clacky sound profile enhances feedback, making every keystroke satisfying and responsive. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more resistance and seek a sturdier typing experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) is the way to go. This switch, with its 62.5g bottom out force and unique acoustic properties, provides a more substantial feel that can enhance precision for tasks that require accuracy, such as programming or competitive gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to whether you prefer the light, effortless typing experience of the G Pro 3.0 White or the robust and tactile nature of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy).
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