Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and performance. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown from Gateron provides a subtle tactile sensation and a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the G Pro 3.0 Brown falls under 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Stepped'. If you're looking for a switch with a lighter tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow may be the choice for you. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and vibrant RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 Brown could be the ideal option. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. While both switches share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housings.
The Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing material gives each switch a unique typing experience, with the Foggy Shadow offering a deeper sound profile while the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a slightly less resonant sound.
In terms of overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact sound and feel. The qualities of the bottom housing material are more noticeable when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Foggy Shadow and the G Pro 3.0 Brown share similar polycarbonate top housings, their different nylon bottom housings create distinct typing experiences for users to consider when choosing between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is evident that there are some differences between the two. The Foggy Shadow has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to determine the exact amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow at 63.5 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a medium typing experience. In terms of preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those who prefer a slightly heavier push may opt for the Foggy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. 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 3.5mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. While both switches are within the range of traditional travel distances, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown being more conventional, the Foggy Shadow offers a slightly shallower press. Gamers may prefer the Foggy Shadow for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Brown 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 Brown 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 profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown produces a medium-high pitch sound that adds an extra layer of joy to typing, along with a delightful and subtle tactile sensation. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable auditory experience for users.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is known for its light tactile bump and medium weight, providing a balanced performance for users who prefer a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is praised for its easy-to-press design, offering minimal resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro Brown also features a mild and stepped tactile sensation, providing a comfortable and low-impact typing feel that appeals to a wide range of users.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a low-pitched sound and light tactile bump, the G Pro Brown provides a medium-high pitch sound and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches promise a satisfying and immersive typing experience that will elevate your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you're looking for a light tactile bump with a 63.5g medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow is a great choice, especially for those who appreciate a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and subtle tactile sensation with a medium bottom-out force of 63g, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent option, offering easy-to-press keys with a mild and stepped feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
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