Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which are linear switches that cater to different user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel that many casual users appreciate, making it an attractive option for everyday typists. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is specifically designed for gamers, featuring an ultra-low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for quick, responsive inputs that can enhance gaming performance. Its bright sound profile and smooth push feel provide a different tactile experience, appealing particularly to players looking for speed in their gameplay. While both switches have their unique advantages, they cater to distinct needs and 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
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it becomes evident that both switches utilize different plastics, which significantly influence their acoustic characteristics and tactile experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes polycarbonate particularly effective for RGB setups, as its clarity allows the light to illuminate the switch beautifully. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon for its top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller, and more resonant typing experience. Here, the difference in material contributes profoundly to the auditory feedback of the switches: while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a more defined sound, the Vintage Citrus offers a rounder and softer sound profile.
Both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which creates a more muted acoustic experience. Regardless of their differing top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Vintage Citrus plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall sound profile, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when bottoming out. As nylon absorbs sound effectively, this shared characteristic leads to similarities in the tactile feel when pressed down. Consequently, when you are typing on either switch, this commonality in bottom housing material provides a consistent, pleasant sensation as you reach the bottom of a key press, regardless of the differences present in the top housing.
Ultimately, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus have distinct top housing materials that create differing sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housing fosters a connection between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top produces a crisper sound during release, ideal for RGB setups, whereas the Vintage Citrus, with its nylon top, results in a warmer auditory experience. However, the nylon bottom housing's inherent qualities ensure that both switches offer a satisfying bottom-out feel. As such, while the aesthetic and auditory differentiation is significant, the combination of both housing types allows users to experience unique yet complementary typing sensations across the two switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, whereas the Vintage Citrus boasts a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This makes the Vintage Citrus switch the lighter option, appealing to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended periods or during long gaming sessions. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, being the heavier switch, may provide a more substantial feel that some users find desirable for tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches provide linear typing experiences, those seeking a softer push should opt for the Vintage Citrus, whereas those who prefer a firmer actuation may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is characterized as the most traditional length, often preferred by users seeking a more substantial feel and depth when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to the modern preference for quicker response times, often favored by gamers who prioritize speed. As a result, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a more robust and deliberate actuation, the Vintage Citrus switches provide a more abrupt, but responsive experience. Ultimately, if you find comfort in a deeper key press, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the optimal choice, whereas for those who value quick actuation, the HMX Vintage Citrus may be more appealing.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is characterized by a high-pitched, clacky tone that delivers a sharp and crisp auditory response with each keystroke. This resonant quality creates an immersive experience, particularly suitable for users who prefer a more energetic sound from their keyboard. The bright, clacky nature of the switch enhances the typing experience, making it more lively and engaging. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus is also described as bright and clacky, tuning it into a similarly vibrant auditory experience. While specifics on the sound characteristics of the Vintage Citrus are not detailed, their intent as a speed switch suggests that they, too, offer a satisfying acoustic response that complements fast-paced gaming.
In terms of tactile feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a notably polished and creamy sensation, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. This is characterized by reduced friction and effortless key travel, allowing for a fluid typing rhythm that many typists and gamers appreciate. The creamy aspect of the switch offers a silky feeling beneath the fingers, enhancing overall comfort during prolonged use. The Vintage Citrus switch, designed with a low actuation force tailored for rapid inputs, contributes its own unique feel but lacks specific descriptive qualities to compare directly with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. However, given its design focus, it is likely that the Vintage Citrus also aims to deliver a responsive and satisfying feel, especially catered towards fast-paced gaming.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer bright, clacky sound profiles that create an engaging auditory experience, making them suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels in providing a polished and creamy feeling under your fingers, while the Vintage Citrus is tailored for quick actuation, which may enhance its feel for gamers specifically. Ultimately, either switch will deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but your choice may lean toward the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for a smoother, more fluid typing experience, whereas the Vintage Citrus might appeal to those prioritizing speed and responsiveness.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a versatile switch that delivers a medium-heavy force with a satisfying high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. Its polished and creamy feel offers a smooth typing experience, making it ideal for both everyday typing and gaming alike, without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, if you're primarily a gamer looking for rapid response times and quick actuation, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for you. With its notably lower actuation force and bright, clacky sound, it provides the quick feedback you need for intense gaming sessions. The smoother push back combined with a lighter feel allows you to execute rapid-fire commands effortlessly. In summary, consider your typing style and preference for sound when making your choice—opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for a balanced, all-around experience, while the Vintage Citrus will cater more specifically to the high-speed demands of gaming.
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