Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preferences in feel and sound, and two noteworthy contenders in the linear category are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX SU. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its budget-friendly excellence and provides a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile with a bouncy typing experience, perfectly catering to those who enjoy a lively keyboard feel. In contrast, the HMX SU brings a more subtle, deeper sound profile with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and slightly more refined typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a more vibrant auditory feedback, the HMX SU excels in producing a low-key presence that some may find preferable for extended use. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX SU switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the material's stiffness. This stiffness allows for greater resonance and clarity, making polycarbonate an excellent choice for those who enjoy an invigorating auditory experience while typing, especially when RGB lighting is in play due to its translucence. On the other hand, the HMX SU uses a nylon top housing, a traditional material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This softness in nylon helps absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Hence, users may find that while both switches can offer enjoyable typing experiences, the tonal quality and sound sharpness differ based on the choice of housing material.
In terms of bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX SU utilize nylon. This commonality means that despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches share a similar depth and fullness in sound when bottoming out. Nylon's properties, such as its ability to absorb sound, contribute to a more rounded and softer impact when keys are pressed all the way down. Therefore, while the top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a crisper sound that contrasts with the deeper tone from the HMX SU, the bottom housing's nylon construction unites both switches, presenting a cohesive auditory experience during the actuation phase.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the different top and bottom housing materials in each switch results in a unique but somewhat complementary typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a bright and resonant sound experience predominantly due to its polycarbonate top, the nylon bottom ensures that users still enjoy the classic, fuller sound profile associated with nylon. Meanwhile, the HMX SU, leveraging the same nylon for its bottom housing, delivers a consistent and deeper overall sound, softened by its nylon top. Thus, while the two switches showcase varying design philosophies, they feature a familiar sound signature at their bases, which helps ensure that both can meet diverse user preferences effectively.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy, which can provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience that some users prefer. In contrast, the HMX SU switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who require less resistance for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Thus, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the heavier switch, while the HMX SU is lighter. This distinction is significant for users; if you favor a softer touch for extended use, the HMX SU would suit you better, whereas those who appreciate a firmer push may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU measures at 3.6 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users might prefer for a deeper typing experience. Conversely, the HMX SU's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those looking for quicker response times, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Thus, individuals who prefer a more responsive switch might opt for the HMX SU, while those seeking a traditional and deeper tactile feedback would likely gravitate toward the Gateron switch.
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 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch produces a notably high-pitched and resonant audio profile. This characteristic gives an engaging and crisp auditory feedback, appealing to users who prefer a sharp sound when typing. The higher frequencies can create a lively typing atmosphere, with each keystroke resonating cleanly. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a relatively deep and subtle sound profile. While specifics about the auditory experience are less defined, it suggests a softer, less intrusive sound that may appeal to users seeking a more muted option compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow’s clarity. However, it's important to note that the sound profile can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's build and the keycaps chosen.
Regarding the feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are noted for their polished and creamy typing experience. Users can expect smooth and refined key travel due to the quality of materials used and possible factory lubrication, enhancing the overall typing experience. The "creamy" aspect indicates a buttery smoothness that makes each keystroke feel effortless—gliding seamlessly across the keyboard. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the HMX SU linear switch, so it remains an unknown factor in this comparison. As such, those choices solely hinge on what users personally deem pleasurable in their typing experience.
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX SU linear switch will largely depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a bright, engaging auditory feedback and a silky-smooth typing experience, which might appeal to those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler sound profile, the SU might be a better fit, though its tactile feedback remains uncertain. Ultimately, both options can yield satisfying results, but the G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its clarity in sound and luxurious feel in typing.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 67 grams, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will likely suit your needs, offering a polished and creamy typing experience that delivers a higher-pitched, resonant sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and a satisfying auditory experience during intense gaming or typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and a subtle, deeper sound profile, will be ideal if you seek a smoother and more effortless keystroke, especially during prolonged typing. Its lower resistance makes it suitable for users who may prefer a more delicate touch or those who type quickly and want to reduce finger fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal comfort and sound preference, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is tailored to your unique style.
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