HMX Cheese vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is designed for gaming enthusiasts, offering lightning-fast responsiveness with a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm and vibrant RGB lighting for an enhanced gaming setup. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a light and smooth typing experience, the G Pro Silver switch is geared towards maximizing gaming performance at a budget-friendly price point. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, we can see that the major difference lies in the material used for their top housing. The Cheese utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the sound profile.
Moving onto the bottom housing of these switches, we find that both the Cheese and G Pro 3.0 Silver opt for nylon as the material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both switches maintain a consistent sound experience throughout the typing process. This similarity in material for the bottom housing suggests that both switches may offer a similar tactile feel and typing experience, with the differences in sound primarily influenced by their respective top housing materials.
In considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the switches, it becomes evident that the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches. The materials selected for both the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound when letting go of a key and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. While the Cheese and G Pro 3.0 Silver differ in their choice of top housing material, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing indicates a potential similarity in typing experience, with variations in sound profile attributed to the differences in their respective top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, we find that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Cheese the lighter of the two switches in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Cheese may be the preferred option. However, for those seeking a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be a better choice. Overall, both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, with the Cheese being slightly lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is slightly longer at 3.5 mm compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch with a distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The slight difference in distance between the two may not be noticeably different in practice, so in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference for the feel of the switch when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $4.29.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone that adds an exhilarating element to gaming sessions. While the Cheese focuses on a crisp sound, the G Pro 3.0 Silver emphasizes a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, catering to different preferences based on the user's sound preference.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switch is commended for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, creating a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that mimics gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches prioritize a comfortable typing or gaming experience, but they achieve it through slightly different tactile sensations, catering to varying preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese provides a unique clacky sound signature and a pristine typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver focuses on a deeper, richer sound profile and a buttery, smooth keystroke experience. Depending on whether you prioritize a specific sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switch, you can choose between these two options for a tailored typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance your overall user experience, and regardless of which one you select, you can expect reliable performance and quality.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing or gaming experience you prefer. If you prioritize a smooth and light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, then the HMX Cheese switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers lightning-fast responsiveness, vibrant RGB lighting, and a medium-high pitch sound profile, then the Gateron G Pro Silver switches are the ideal choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels best for your typing or gaming needs.
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