Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red each offer their own unique features and advantages. The Blue Sky switch is best known for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a high-pitched sound profile and a neutral, mild, and polished feel, it delivers an exquisite smooth push. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is a budget-friendly linear switch from Gateron's G Pro line-up. Its medium-light actuation force strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, ensuring a smooth typing experience. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser that allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, accompanied by a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches have their own strengths and offer unique benefits. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material provides them with similar characteristics, such as a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by these switches. Additionally, both switches benefit from polycarbonate's translucency, making them ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Overall, the polycarbonate top housings of these switches contribute to a more vibrant and visually appealing typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Blue Sky utilizes nylon, while the G Pro 3.0 Red also incorporates nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon's softer nature allows these switches to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The material's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics results in a duller and rounder sound, adding a sense of depth to the typing experience. Although both switches share this nylon bottom housing, it is important to note that the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, the similarities outweigh the differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness. Similarly, the presence of nylon bottom housings in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the material's softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. While they may differ in terms of aesthetics and visual appeal, the overall experience and sound produced by these switches will exhibit comparable traits due to their shared housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Blue Sky is slightly heavier, requiring 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. As for the bottom out force, the Blue Sky again has a higher value, requiring 60 grams of force for a full press, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Red only requires 50 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch would be a suitable choice, as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the Blue Sky switch would provide a stronger push sensation due to its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.
It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches. Some users may find the lighter force of the G Pro 3.0 Red more comfortable for long periods of typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier force of the Blue Sky for a more satisfying and substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual preferences and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will yield similar results and provide users with the same tactile feedback.
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 Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is known for its high-pitched profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them a great choice for those who prefer a brighter sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It falls in the moderate range, striking a balance between rich and bassy tones. Both switches are suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, without causing disturbance at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, which should be taken into consideration.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic ensures that the typing experience is gentle and approachable for most users. These switches possess qualities that fall in a safe middle-ground zone, offering a comfortable and satisfying feel. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall sleekness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. This switch provides a smooth and buttery sensation, as if effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. Similar to the Blue Sky switch, the G Pro Red also falls into a mild category, ensuring a gentle typing experience for a wide range of users. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and offers a sleek typing experience. It's worth mentioning that the silky characteristic mentioned in the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch further enhances the smoothness of the typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offer unique qualities that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. While the Blue Sky switch provides a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisite smooth push feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch delivers a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, allowing for responsive and effortless typing. Both switches offer a mild and polished feel, ensuring approachable and sleek typing experiences. However, it's important to keep in mind that personal preferences, as well as external factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, can also influence the overall typing experience. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors when making a decision on which switch to choose.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the way to go. With its medium-bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a satisfying typing experience without feeling too heavy. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a great choice. With its light-bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a smooth typing experience without breaking the bank. Additionally, if you prefer a high-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky is the better option, whereas if you prefer a neutral sound profile, both switches are suitable. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and priorities.