Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences to consider. The Cloudy Shadow from Aflion offers a bouncy feel and neutral sound signature with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White from Gateron is known for its incredibly light actuation force of 38g, making it ideal for delicate typists. While the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched and mild, the G Pro 3.0 White boasts characteristics such as clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches will deliver similar sound profiles and aesthetics due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Cloudy Shadow utilizes nylon, while the G Pro 3.0 White also incorporates nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to the use of nylon in the bottom housing. This makes them both great options for users looking for switches with a more muted and rounder sound profile.
In terms of typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material will influence the sound when you release a key. This distinction between the bottom and top housing materials in the Cloudy Shadow and the G Pro 3.0 White ensures a balanced and nuanced typing experience for users who value both sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter. While the actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is unknown, the G Pro 3.0 White has an actuation force of 38 grams, indicating a lighter touch needed to register a keystroke. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow for its heavier bottom out force, while those looking for a lighter typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 White. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Cloudy Shadow offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White provides a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced actuation. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Cloudy Shadow being ideal for fast-paced gameplay and the G Pro 3.0 White offering a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloudy Shadow for $3.91.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as clacky, neutral, and subdued, producing a sharp and snappy sound with a dampened quality. Depending on personal preference, the Cloudy Shadow may be more suited for those looking for a neutral and balanced sound, while the G Pro 3.0 White may cater to individuals who enjoy a sharper and more percussive auditory feedback.
As for the feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Conversely, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing sensation, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes with minimal finger fatigue. Those seeking a light and buttery typing experience may find the G Pro 3.0 White more appealing, while the Cloudy Shadow may suit those looking for a more moderate and approachable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and bouncy typing experience with a low-pitched sound, while the G Pro 3.0 White offers a creamy and effortless typing feel with a clacky auditory feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, ensuring a tailored mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers in the market.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, you should take into account the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bouncy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, then the Cloudy Shadow switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a creamy, easy-to-press feel with a clacky sound profile, then the G Pro 3.0 White switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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