Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black both stand out in their own ways. The Blue Sky switch is praised for its crystal clear linear feel and sparkling sound profile, making it a fantastic choice for those who prefer a high-pitched and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black from Gateron provides a more substantive typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom-out force, appealing to individuals looking for a medium-heavy feel. While the Blue Sky switch leans towards a neutral and mild category, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a clacky and creamy typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, we see a stark contrast in their top housings. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a slightly high-pitched yet satisfyingly clacky sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the polycarbonate of the Blue Sky emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the INK blend of the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a more unique and pointed sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the differences continue to be distinct. The Blue Sky is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softness and sound absorption capabilities. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a POM bottom housing, which delivers a pleasing and muted sound profile with a deeper tone. While both materials contribute to enhancing the overall sound of the switch, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Sky leans towards a rounder and duller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black shapes a more unique and deeper sound experience.
In conclusion, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black significantly impact the sound profiles of these switches. While the Blue Sky utilizes polycarbonate for sharpening sound clarity and nylon for deepening the sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black incorporates a proprietary INK blend for a satisfyingly clacky sound and POM for a more unique and muted sound experience. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their carefully selected housing materials, ensuring that users can enjoy a range of sound profiles to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Sky is lighter in both aspects. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference. Some users may prefer the lighter feel of the Blue Sky for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may gravitate towards the heavier touch of the G Pro 3.0 Black for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of performance, with the main difference lying in the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance travelled from the top to the bottom is equal. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of the feel and response of the keys when using either switch. Therefore, whether you opt for the Aflion Blue Sky or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, you can expect a consistent travel distance experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be appealing for those who prefer a bright and clear auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch produces a clacky sound, known for its sharp and snappy characteristics. This sound profile is more percussive and adds a sense of tactility to the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, and the choice between them would depend on individual preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The switch offers a gentle typing feel with a smooth and refined finish, making it approachable to most users. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and ease of keystrokes. This buttery sensation enhances the overall typing feel and minimizes resistance, leading to a more fluid typing experience. Both switches focus on providing a comfortable typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a smoother and more luxurious feel compared to the Blue Sky.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Blue Sky provides a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Black emphasizes a clacky sound and a creamy, silky feel. Depending on whether one prefers a brighter sound profile or a more percussive sound, as well as a smoother typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance the overall tactile and auditory experience of a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch versus the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, you should choose the Blue Sky if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, high-pitched sound profile, and a mild and polished typing experience. The Blue Sky offers a clear linear typing experience with a smooth push feel. On the other hand, you should opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, clacky sound profile, and a creamy, silky, or subtle typing feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a more substantial typing experience with a medium-high pitch sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel while typing.
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