Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer unique features and benefits are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. The Blue Sky is best known for its long pole stem, delivering a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is perfect for those who appreciate a high-pitched, neutral, and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White from Gateron's G Pro series is designed for delicate typists, offering an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g. This ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes. The switch's frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. With its clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press nature, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White share similarities in their choice of housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for housing switches with RGB lighting.
However, there is a difference in the bottom housing material. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 White also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. The top housing, on the other hand, influences the sound when releasing a key. The respective qualities of the polycarbonate and nylon materials are split between the top and bottom housing, creating a harmonious blend of sharpness, crispness, depth, and roundness in the sound profile of both the Blue Sky and the G Pro 3.0 White.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White share similarities in their choice of polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housing sets them apart. The Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Nevertheless, both switches provide a balanced mix of qualities, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blue Sky has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams. Similarly, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams of pressure, whereas the G Pro 3.0 White requires only 45 grams.
These differences in force can have a significant impact on the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the G Pro 3.0 White would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out force, typing on this switch would require less effort, allowing for more extended periods of typing without fatigue. This lighter force can be especially beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial push feel and a more deliberate typing experience might lean towards the Blue Sky switch. With its higher actuation and bottom out force, typing on this switch would provide a more substantial feedback and a sense of solidity. The heavier force required for keystrokes can be satisfying for users who enjoy a tactile response and a greater amount of resistance.
In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 White can be considered lighter than the Blue Sky due to its lighter actuation and bottom out force. However, it's important to note that the weight of a switch is subjective and depends on the individual's preference. Some prefer the lighter feel for extended typing, while others enjoy the heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on the user's personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback from both switches. Whether you choose the Aflion Blue Sky or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White, you can be assured of a consistent and satisfying travel distance when typing or gaming.
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 White 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 White 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 linear switch is best described as having a high-pitched sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound. This switch is a great choice for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a clacky sound profile. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Overall, both switches offer a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, or if you are using them at home or work.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most typists, as its qualities all stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. In addition, the Blue Sky switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offers a creamy typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and buttery feel when typing. The application of lubricant at the factory or the use of specific materials contributes to this silky sensation. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless, comfortable, and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a feathery, light typing feel suitable for gaming, school, or work.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch has a high-pitched sound profile and provides a mild, polished typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch has a clacky sound profile and offers a creamy, easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and can be used in various settings. While the Blue Sky switch leans towards a more gentle typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is exceptionally light and reduces finger fatigue. Based on these descriptions, it is clear that choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style. However, if you prefer a high-pitched sound and a gentle typing experience, the Blue Sky switch will likely suit your needs. If you prefer a clacky sound and a smooth, easy-to-press typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is a great choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, consider your preferences for force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, with a bottom out force of 60 grams, and enjoy a crystal clear linear typing experience, the Blue Sky switch is a great choice. It offers a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, with a bottom out force of 45 grams, and prioritize effortless and sensitive keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is the way to go. It offers a budget-friendly option with a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, and provide a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel.
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