Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver. The Blue Sky switch is best known for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro line-up are renowned for their exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving gamers a competitive advantage. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is characterized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', adding an exhilarating auditory element to gaming sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you the most.
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
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver have similar housing materials, with both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either of these switches.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Blue Sky features a nylon material, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver also utilizes nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings evokes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys. The nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound experience of these switches.
When it comes to the impact of each housing material, the bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel of the key, while the top housing primarily influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users will notice the qualities of the nylon bottom housing in the Blue Sky and the G Pro 3.0 Silver during typing, as they create a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the keys. The choice of housing materials in each switch allows for a varied and dynamic typing experience.
To sum up, while the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver use the same polycarbonate material for their top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housings, with the Blue Sky featuring a nylon bottom housing and the G Pro 3.0 Silver also utilizing nylon. Both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetics due to the use of polycarbonate in their top housing. However, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out the keys on both switches due to the nylon bottom housing. The overall typing experience will be influenced by the combination of these 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 Silver linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Aflion Blue Sky has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver's 45 grams, making the Blue Sky switch require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that when pressing the Blue Sky switch all the way down, one would experience a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier force required. However, both switches fall within the medium to light weight range and would provide similar results in terms of typing experience for those who prefer a lighter feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on whether a slight difference in force is preferred, with the Blue Sky being slightly heavier, or if a lighter typing experience is desired, in which case the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch are exactly the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the results you can expect from both switches in terms of travel distance will be similar.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky switches are best described as having a high-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them suitable for those who prefer a more clear and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches have a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are also described as thocky, meaning they produce a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. These switches provide a more gentle typing sensation, making them approachable for most users. The mild feel of these switches falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Furthermore, the Blue Sky switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a buttery and creamy typing experience. The buttery switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The creamy switches, which may have lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials, offer a silky sensation when typing and allow for effortless keystrokes.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky switches and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Blue Sky switches deliver a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound, mild feel, and polished finish. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer an exceptional gaming experience with a bassy and low-pitched sound, buttery and creamy feel, and a shorter travel distance for lightning-fast responsiveness. Both switches have their unique traits, catering to different preferences and needs. If you are looking for a clear and sharp sound with a gentle typing experience, the Blue Sky switches are a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a smooth and effortless keystroke experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches will provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and the specific requirements of your typing or gaming setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a crystal clear linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky switches are a great choice. These switches offer a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. They are best suited for those who enjoy a high-pitched or neutral sound profile, and prefer a mild and polished typing experience.
On the other hand, if you want a lightning-fast and responsive gaming experience with a light bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are a fantastic option. These switches offer unmatched value and provide a competitive advantage with their shorter travel distance. They are best known for their bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profiles, and offer a buttery and creamy feel when typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches depends on your specific preferences and use case. Whether you prioritize a clear and smooth typing experience or a fast and responsive gaming experience, both switches have their strengths. It's important to consider factors such as sound and feel, as well as the bottom-out force, when making your decision.
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