Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that frequently come up are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown. If you're someone who values a linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel, the Blue Sky could be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a gentle tactile sensation and a delightful subtle bump that enhances your typing flow, the G Pro 3.0 Brown might be the better choice. Both switches have their own unique qualities and advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
15mm spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to similar characteristics in terms of sound and aesthetics. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the switch.
While the top housings are identical, the bottom housings of the Blue Sky and the G Pro 3.0 Brown differ in material. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown also makes use of a nylon bottom housing, offering similar acoustic qualities. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing in both keyboards will provide a deeper and fuller sound experience, thanks to the sound absorption properties of this material.
It is important to note that the choice of housing material for a switch can impact different aspects of its performance. The characteristics of the bottom housing material primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, whether it is the Blue Sky or the G Pro 3.0 Brown, the qualities of each housing material will be distributed accordingly to provide an overall satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Blue Sky is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. Both switches fall under the medium force range, providing a balanced typing experience.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Sky switch would be a suitable choice as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it ideal for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as in a work or gaming setting. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a slightly heavier push feel, which may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial typing experience.
While the differences in force are minimal between the two switches, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary. Some users may not necessarily notice a significant difference between a 50-gram actuation force and a 55-gram actuation force, for example. In these cases, both switches would provide similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for a lighter or heavier feel while typing.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using both switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances, ensuring that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing 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 Brown 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 Brown 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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience, offering a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. These switches produce a high-pitched sound when pressed, which provides a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch is considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is known for its economical solution without compromising on quality. Users can enjoy a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, carefully crafted to provide a gentle bump without overpowering the typing flow. The G Pro Brown offers a medium-high pitch sound that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to typing sessions. The switch is described as easy-to-press, providing minimal resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. It is also considered mild and has a stepped characteristic, meaning users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel while typing.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch provide different sound profiles and typing experiences. The Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched sound and a mild and polished feel, while the G Pro Brown switch provides a medium-high pitch sound, an easy-to-press feel, and a mild and stepped characteristic. Both switches offer enjoyable experiences with their unique qualities. If you prefer a high-pitched sound and a polished feel, the Blue Sky switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a medium-high pitch sound, an easy-to-press feel, and a stepped characteristic, the G Pro Brown switch would be a great option. However, please note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch may be the right choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. The Blue Sky switch is also described as having a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is worth considering. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams, this switch offers a frosted light diffuser for improved RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory feedback. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is also described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force and a mild typing experience, but the Blue Sky switch focuses more on a linear feel and a high-pitched sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides a tactile feel and an easy-to-press experience. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.