Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer two distinct yet appealing linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly excellence, delivering a typist’s delight with its higher-pitched clacky sound profile and bouncy feel, making it a top choice for users looking for an affordable yet lively typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately known as the Duck Duck switch, introduces a refined blend of materials that yields a subtler top-out sensation along with a satisfying clack, enhanced by excellent factory lubrication. While both switches provide a smooth linear experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is perfect for those who appreciate a lively, resonant typing feel, whereas the Sunset Gleam is tailored for users who prefer a more refined and dampened acoustic profile. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style and preferences.
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Sunset Gleam both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly influence the acoustic characteristics of each switch. The shared use of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience that enhances the overall typing sound. Both switches benefit aesthetically from their clear housings, making them excellent choices for users looking to integrate RGB lighting into their keyboard setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate enables vibrant light diffusion and effects.
While the top housings of these two switches are identical in material, the bottom housings differ, with both employing nylon for their respective designs. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the HMX Sunset Gleam shares the same nylon construction, leading to similar auditory outcomes. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder and duller tone that complements the sharper sounds emitted by the polycarbonate top. This duality in material choice allows the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Sunset Gleam to create cohesive sound profiles that blend both clarity and depth.
In terms of overall performance, the differences in top and bottom housing materials suggest that the feel and sound characteristics will be distinctly influenced by each switch's housing arrangement. Both switches achieve a balance in sound through the combination of polycarbonate and nylon, where the polycarbonate enhances the release sound and higher frequencies, while the nylon lowers the frequencies and contributes to a more satisfying bottom-out sound. Consequently, despite the identical top and bottom material composition, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Sunset Gleam offer a unique typing experience, allowing users to enjoy similar results while still exploring the individual characteristics contributed by their housing choices.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. As a result, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may appeal more to users who enjoy a heavier touch, providing a more substantial typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam's lighter forces make it ideal for prolonged use, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, users seeking a heavier switch should consider the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while those preferring a lighter, more responsive feel may gravitate towards the Sunset Gleam.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more traditional feel with greater depth, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. If quick reactions are a priority, the Sunset Gleam would be the better choice. However, for those who favor a deeper typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers that traditional feel. In summary, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the longer switch at 4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam is the shorter option at 3.5 mm.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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 switches produce a distinctively high-pitched and resonant auditory profile. This sharp and crisp sound is ideal for those who prefer a cleaner, more pronounced acoustic experience over the deeper tones that some other switches might offer. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound qualities remain unknown, which makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, keep in mind that sound perception can be influenced by various factors, including keycap material and keyboard construction, potentially leading to similarities in acoustic experiences across different switches, depending on your build.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy typing experience. This means users can expect a smooth, refined travel with reduced friction, making each keystroke glide effortlessly from start to finish. The silky sensation enhances overall typing comfort and efficiency. Again, the tactile qualities of the Sunset Gleam remain unclear, but they may still provide an enjoyable experience as they are designed with user comfort in mind. If the HMX switches are well-manufactured and possibly factory-lubed like the G Pro 3.0, a similarly smooth typing feel could be anticipated.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches stand out with their crisp sound profile and buttery feel, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious typists seeking quality. While the sound and feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam remain uncertain, the possibility exists for them to offer comparable experiences, especially if they are built with effective materials and techniques. As a newcomer, the key to selecting between these two options may ultimately depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force requirements. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that provides an engaging auditory experience, then the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent option for you. Its polished and creamy feel allows for smooth key presses, making it a great choice for both gaming and typing, especially if you favor a slightly bouncier typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter touch with a sleek typing experience and prefer a more subtle sound without sacrificing that satisfying clack, the HMX Sunset Gleam could be your ideal switch. Its combination of factory lubrication and unique material blend offers a smooth and enjoyable feel, perfect for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. Ultimately, understanding your personal typing habits and sound preferences will guide you to the right switch for your needs.
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