Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and HMX Jelly offer distinct experiences, each catering to different typing preferences and styles. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow shines as an affordable option, providing a polished, high-pitched clack that delivers a bouncy and responsive typing feel, making it a solid choice for those who crave a lively auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch sets itself apart with its deep, thocky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, thanks to its factory lubrication and lightweight 42g actuation force, appealing to users who prioritize a more muted auditory profile and a buttery typing experience. Both switches present unique advantages depending on user 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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
15.4mm long spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Jelly switches showcase distinct sound profiles largely influenced by their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper audio experience. This material's stiffness supports a more resonant sound during actuation, making it particularly advantageous for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This quality is enhanced by the translucent nature of polycarbonate, allowing RGB lighting to shine through, thus appealing to RGB enthusiasts who enjoy a visually striking aesthetic in their keyboards.
In contrast, the HMX Jelly's top housing is composed of nylon, a classic switch material known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. Unlike the sharper sound characteristic of polycarbonate, nylon absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This absorption effects a duller and rounder auditory experience, thus catering to users who favor a smoother and less aggressive typing sound. Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, reinforcing the deeper sound profile associated with this material. In this context, while the Jelly excels in generating a rounded auditory experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top adds a distinctively crisp dimension to its overall sound profile.
The split between top and bottom housing materials in both switches highlights how diverse materials influence feel and sound during use. For the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the polycarbonate top housing enhances the release sound when a key is released, while the nylon bottom directly affects the bottom-out feel and sound during key presses. Conversely, the Jelly's entirely nylon composition might not provide the same sharpness on release, but it does create a cohesive sound experience that merges dulcet tones during both actuation and activation. Ultimately, while both switches harness nylon in their lower structure and offer varying auditory experiences, they cater to differing preferences in sound profile and aesthetic presentation in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch differ significantly in both their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varied typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which provides a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Jelly switch is notably lighter, featuring an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference in weight means that users favoring lighter switches might find the HMX Jelly more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback may find the G Pro 3.0 Yellow more satisfying. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the heavier option, while the HMX Jelly is the lighter, offering distinctly different experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the HMX Jelly. This difference means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may provide a more substantial feeling of depth during key presses, making it preferable for users who enjoy a hearty, tactile response. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly, with its shorter 3.8 mm distance, could cater to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are often associated with improved speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference: if you prioritize a more pronounced keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the better option, while the HMX Jelly might be ideal for those seeking a snappier feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is characterized by a higher-pitched clacky profile that produces a sharp and vibrant audio experience when pressed. This resonant quality makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more spirited sound to their typing, as it is clean and crisp. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch offers a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature. This deeper tone can provide a satisfying auditory feedback that contrasts with the brightness of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more subdued and bass-rich sound. Both switches offer unique sound signatures that can greatly influence the typing experience, and the final audio experience will also depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for its polished and creamy typing experience. The factory lubrication contributes to its smooth and refined finish, allowing for effortless keystrokes and reduced friction. This creates a sensation of gliding over the keys, making typing not only efficient but enjoyable. On the other hand, details about the feel of the HMX Jelly switch are currently unknown. However, the Jelly's reputation for smoothness due to excellent factory lubrication suggests that it may also provide a pleasant tactile experience, albeit differently compared to the G Pro 3.0.
In summary, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Jelly linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile qualities, catering to various preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its higher-pitched sound and refined typing feel, while the Jelly promises a deeper sound profile. If you're looking for a lively typing experience with clear auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may suit you well. Conversely, if a richer audio signature is what you seek, the Jelly switch might be more appealing. Both options offer smooth typing experiences, although the specific feel of the Jelly switch remains unknown, which leaves space for exploration based on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a more tactile and pronounced typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is your go-to option. Its higher actuation force of 67 grams provides a satisfying feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy, especially if you’re a gamer or a typist who enjoys a firmer keystroke. The switch also boasts a high-pitched, clacky sound profile that adds a lively auditory dimension to your typing experience, making it ideal for an office environment or for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback.
On the other hand, if you find that you prefer a lighter feel and a smooth, quiet typing experience, the HMX Jelly switch would be more suited to your needs. With a lower bottom-out force of 48 grams, these switches allow for easier key presses and longer typing sessions without finger fatigue, making them excellent for prolonged typing or casual gaming. The Jelly's deep, thocky sound signature and outstanding factory lube not only make each keystroke feel effortless but also produce a more subdued auditory experience for those who may be sensitive to noise. In summary, your choice should reflect your tactile preference, whether you seek a more robust feel and sound with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or a smoother, quieter experience with the HMX Jelly.
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