Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Lotus (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 Yellow and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, all while maintaining the smooth actuation of linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly excellence, delivering a high-pitched and resonant sound profile that distinguishes it from other switches. Its bouncy feel provides an engaging typing experience, making it a great option for those who enjoy a lively keystroke without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) stands out with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that enhances the tactile feedback with a super bouncy sensation for each keypress. This makes it particularly appealing for users who prefer a more substantial response while typing or gaming. While both switches cater to different preferences—budget-conscious typists with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and those seeking a heavier actuation with the Lotus (Heavy)—it's crucial to explore their nuances to find the perfect fit for your individual style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) present distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, which in turn influence their auditory profiles and user experience. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow incorporates polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound when the keys are released. This crispness can be attributed to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate's translucence is advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switches. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilizes nylon for its top housing, generating a deeper, rounder sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which effectively absorbs sound. This defines a more muted auditory experience which is preferred by those who favor a less pronounced keystroke feedback.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a similarity that plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Since nylon serves as a traditional switch material, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Lotus (Heavy) will register a deep and full sound during key presses due to nylon’s ability to soften the impact and dampen vibrations. This uniformity means that while the top housings deliver differing acoustic characteristics, the bottom housing will ensure a consistent auditory foundation, contributing to a balanced typing experience. Users of both switches are likely to experience a level of depth in keystrokes, as nylon softens the bottom-out sound.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials lead to a divergence in the auditory experience while the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing bridges a commonality between the two. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more pronounced, clear-sounding release, suitable for users who enjoy typists' sharp feedback when the keys return, while the Lotus (Heavy) appeals to those desiring a subtler, fuller sound profile upon release. The duality of sound profiles highlights how the combination of various materials in a mechanical switch can cater to a wide range of user preferences, thus enriching the mechanical keyboard ecosystem as a whole.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, distinct differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the HMX Lotus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This difference implies that users might experience a more substantial push feel with the Lotus switch, which some may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out forces present a contrast; the G Pro 3.0 Yellow bottoms out at 67 grams, which is noticeably heavier than the Lotus's bottom out force of 62.5 grams. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, making it ideal for users seeking ease during prolonged use, while the HMX Lotus offers a firmer resistance for those who appreciate a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the former measuring 4 mm and the latter at 3.5 mm. This slight variation shows that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who favor a deeper press. In contrast, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Lotus (Heavy) switch is better suited for those who prioritize responsiveness and quick key actuation, making it a preferred choice for gamers who benefit from faster response times. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a heartier depth, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the better option, while the Lotus (Heavy) is apt for a more rapid and reactive typing experience.
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 Lotus (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 Lotus (Heavy) 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 offers a higher-pitched clacky sound profile combined with a bright and resonant tone. This creates a sharp and crisp auditory experience that appeals to those who prefer a more elevated sound rather than a deep, bass-heavy thud. The sound produced is clean, immersive, and adds a delightful resonance to each keystroke. While the specifics for the HMX Lotus (Heavy) regarding sound are not explicitly detailed, it is noted to have a bright and resonant sound as well, likely giving it a similar sharp quality. Therefore, both switches cater to users who enjoy the crispness of light, resonant sounds, which may complement their typing experience well.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is characterized by a polished and creamy typing experience. The switch is designed to provide a smooth and refined feel due to its high-quality materials and likely factory lubrication, resulting in minimal friction during keystrokes. This butter-like sensation allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, making it enjoyable to type for extended periods. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) is also said to provide a super bouncy feeling, which suggests that it may deliver a responsive and enjoyable tactile experience, reminiscent of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Without specific descriptors for the Lotus, we cannot definitively compare their tactile properties, but the mention of its medium-heavy weight hints at a satisfying physical feedback that could be similar to the refined feel of the G Pro 3.0.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches share several appealing qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. For users who appreciate a brighter, more resonant sound profile coupled with a smooth, bouncy typing experience, either switch could serve them well. The G Pro 3.0 offers a polished, creamy tactile sensation, while the Lotus, despite limited information about its tactile qualities, suggests a rewarding responsiveness. Ultimately, whether one prefers the refined nature of G Pro 3.0 or the promising feedback from the Lotus, both switches are capable of delivering an engaging and enjoyable mechanical typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, consider your personal preferences for sound, feel, and key resistance. If you prefer a budget-friendly option that offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, along with a high-pitched, resonant sound profile and a polished, creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a bouncy feel and a crisp auditory experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a slightly lower bottom out force of 62.5 grams and seek a similarly bouncy feel but with a brighter and more resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) switch could be more appealing. This option could be ideal if you appreciate a smooth keystroke that delivers delightful feedback, making every keystroke enjoyable. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize budget-friendly performance and sound profile or whether you want a slight variational difference in actuation weight and resonance for a more tailored typing experience.
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