Aflion Blush vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blush and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blush, known for its smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, appeals to those seeking a low-pitched and buttery feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its medium-heavy actuation and bottom-out force, providing a more substantial typing experience with a medium-high pitch sound. While the Blush offers a creamy and silky typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black is described as clacky and subtle. 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
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their top housing composition. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a slightly higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, offering a different typing sensation for users. While both materials provide distinctive sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Blush seems to be geared towards a brighter sound, while the INK blend of the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more balanced tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Blush's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black creates a unique and pleasingly deep sound that adds a touch of sophistication to the overall typing sound. This difference in sound profile highlights the importance of bottom housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience of a switch.
Although the top and bottom housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer distinct sound profiles, the impact of each housing material on the typing experience is clear. While the Blush showcases the benefits of polycarbonate in creating a sharper sound with a nylon bottom housing for a fuller tone, the G Pro 3.0 Black combines a proprietary INK blend for a unique clacky sound with a POM bottom housing for deeper tones. Ultimately, whether users prefer a crisper, brighter sound or a more muted, deeper tone, both switches offer a range of options to cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it is clear that they differ in their force requirements. The Blush has a unique feature of having no actuation force specified, while the G Pro 3.0 Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams, which is considered medium, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Black requires 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Black is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Blush, which could result in a more substantial typing experience. However, if looking for a lighter option that allows for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Blush may be the more preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, the Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Blush has a shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black. The shorter travel distance of the Blush may appeal to individuals looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Black may provide a more satisfying key press experience for those who prefer a deeper feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush 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 Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, which typically provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is described as clacky and subdued. The clacky nature of the G Pro 3.0 Black produces a sharp and snappy sound, while also offering a more subtle sound compared to most switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Aflion Blush and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black are described as creamy and silky. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, often attributed to lubricants applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on a creamy switch feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys with a seamless and uniform sensation. Silky switches further enhance the smoothness of typing by reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black is also described as subtle, meaning it offers gentle resistance without being too light, suitable for quieter environments.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch showcases a poppy sound signature and provides a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience due to its longer two-stage spring. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offers a medium-heavy feel with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, appealing to those who prefer a substantive typing experience. Both switches offer creamy and silky sensations, making them ideal choices for users who prioritize smoothness and ease of typing. Overall, while the sound and feel may vary between the Aflion Blush and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches, users can expect similarly satisfying results in terms of overall typing experience and quality.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, consider the specific preferences you have for your typing experience. If you are seeking a smoother, poppy, and snappy feel with a low-pitched sound signature, the Aflion Blush switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-high pitch sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch could be better suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal taste in terms of feel and sound, so choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience.