Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black stand out as popular options with unique characteristics. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion is a tactile switch that offers a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for a medium-weight typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black by Gateron is a linear switch known for its premium quality and budget-friendly price point. With a 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, it offers a medium-heavy typing feel and boasts a medium-high pitch auditory experience. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral,' the G Pro 3.0 Black is categorized as 'Clacky,' 'Creamy,' 'Subdued,' 'Silky,' and 'Subtle.' Each switch has its own set of unique features, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer distinct experiences to users. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is also relatively stiffer, leading to a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a high-pitched and satisfyingly clacky sound. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they both enhance the overall typing experience with their unique characteristics.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become more apparent. The Foggy Shadow incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deep and fuller sound profile that is characterized by its duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a POM bottom housing, creating a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite these differences, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing, adding another layer to the typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer users a diverse typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a high-pitched and clacky sound with its INK blend and POM housing materials. Whether you prefer a clear and resonant sound or a deeper and more muted sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow has a lighter actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires a very light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel when typing. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Foggy Shadow requiring 63.5 grams and the G Pro 3.0 Black requiring 70 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aflion Foggy Shadow may be the better option, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Black has the longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow can result in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Black may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Foggy 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 Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black gives off a clacky and subdued sound, delivering a sharp and snappy sound that is dampened and subtle. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force result in a light tactile experience without specific descriptors provided. Conversely, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a creamy and silky smooth typing experience due to lubrication or specific materials used in the switch construction, along with a subtle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump or a smoother keystroke, your preference between the two switches will vary.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow offers a lighter tactile experience with a neutral, low-pitched sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black presents a creamy, silky smooth typing feel with a clacky, subdued sound. Ultimately, both switches provide balanced performance in their respective categories, and choosing between them will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you aim to achieve. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience that is bound to elevate your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, consider the specific qualities each switch offers. Choose the Foggy Shadow if you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium weight feel, suitable for balanced performance and a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black if you desire a more substantive typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, clacky sound profile, and options for creamy, silky, or subtle typing sensations. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you wish to achieve.
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