Aflion Blush vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red are both linear switches that offer a smooth typing experience. The Blush switch, known for its impressively smooth and snappy feel, stands out with its longer, two-stage spring and long pole that provides a distinct poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch, a budget-friendly option from Gateron's G Pro line-up, features a medium-light actuation force for a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. It also offers a satisfying auditory experience with its medium-high pitch and allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects with its frosted light diffuser. Both switches have different qualities that make them appealing options, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual effects. Therefore, both the Blush and G Pro 3.0 Red will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Blush utilizes nylon, while the G Pro 3.0 Red also incorporates nylon as its bottom housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Blush and G Pro 3.0 Red will have similar characteristics in terms of sound when it comes to the impact and bottom-out feel of the keys, as the nylon bottom housing is responsible for these qualities.
In summary, the Blush and G Pro 3.0 Red share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. These top housings, being stiff and translucent, contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile while enhancing RGB lighting effects. However, they differ in their bottom housings, with the Blush featuring a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in the bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound. Nevertheless, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Blush and G Pro 3.0 Red will offer comparable experiences in terms of typing feel and the impact of the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blush has an undisclosed actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the G Pro 3.0 Red which boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches, however, exhibit similar bottom out forces, with the Blush measuring at 58 grams and the G Pro 3.0 Red slightly lighter at 50 grams.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is important to note that some users prefer a lighter pressure for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions. In this regard, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a suitable choice due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force, though the specific force of the Blush is unknown.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Aflion Blush linear switch remains undisclosed, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offers a lighter actuation force. However, both switches have a relatively similar bottom out force, making them suitable for users looking for a consistent experience in terms of bottoming out the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on an individual's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the G Pro 3.0 Red falls into the more common range at 4.0 mm, while the Blush has a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances, such as the Blush. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience might lean towards switches with longer travel distances, like the G Pro 3.0 Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for responsiveness or depth of keypress.
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 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 Blush is characterized as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper, more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it falls within the middle ground, with a sound that is not too high or too low in pitch. Note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, based on the provided information, the Blush and G Pro 3.0 Red offer different sound profiles, with the Blush having a low-pitched sound and the G Pro 3.0 Red having a neutral sound profile.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Blush and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red are described as creamy switches. This means that they offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. These switches provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, they are also described as silky switches, meaning they enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The G Pro 3.0 Red is also described as having a mild characteristic, offering a gentle typing experience. Both switches are polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Based on the information provided, it can be concluded that both the Blush and G Pro 3.0 Red offer similar subjective qualities in terms of feel, providing a creamy, silky, and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch is best known for its full and snappy type feel, featuring a longer two-stage spring and a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is known for its smooth typing experience, medium-light actuation force, and vibrant RGB lighting effects. In terms of sound, the Blush has a low-pitched profile while the G Pro 3.0 Red has a neutral profile. Both switches offer a creamy, silky, and polished feel. Overall, while the switches have different sound profiles, they provide similar qualities in terms of feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, there are a few factors to consider.
The Blush switch stands out with its longer, two-stage spring, which provides an impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing feel. Additionally, its long pole produces a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a budget-friendly option with a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. It also features a frosted light diffuser, enhancing RGB lighting effects, and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory experience.
In terms of sound, the Blush switch has a low-pitched profile, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes.
When it comes to feel, both switches share a creamy typing experience. This refers to a smooth and buttery sensation while typing, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance. Additionally, the Blush switch is described as silky and buttery, while the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is characterized as mild, polished, and silky. These attributes contribute to a refined, gentle, and exceptionally smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch depends on individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize a snappy and poppy typing feel with a low-pitched sound, the Blush switch may be the better option for you. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, along with a pleasant auditory experience and enhanced RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch might be the more suitable choice. Consider your desired typing experience and prioritize the qualities that align with your preferences to make an informed decision.
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