Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, boasts a light tactile bump and a medium weight that strikes a balance between feedback and ease of use. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch known for its smooth typing experience, medium-light actuation force, and vibrant RGB lighting effects. While the Foggy Shadow focuses on precision and performance, the G Pro Red emphasizes a satisfying auditory experience and affordability. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
PCB (5-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 Red feature a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design. This material's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts for its overall performance in sound quality.
In contrast, both switches have a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. This material choice impacts the overall typing experience, as it contributes to a different tactile and auditory feedback compared to the top housing. Despite the difference in material for the bottom housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom components of the switches plays a significant role in how the sound and feel are perceived. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. This division creates a balanced typing experience that combines the qualities of both materials to provide a satisfying tactile feedback and sound profile. While the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red may have differences in their housing materials, they ultimately deliver similar results in terms of offering a customizable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it heavier in comparison. While the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is unknown, it is safe to assume that it is higher than the 45 grams of the G Pro. Both switches offer different typing experiences, with the G Pro providing a lighter touch perfect for long typing or gaming sessions, while the Foggy Shadow offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches offer a satisfactory travel distance for typing and gaming purposes, the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Red may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 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
In terms of sound, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of typing environments. The Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Red has a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard it's mounted on and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, there is more information available for the G Pro 3.0 Red switch. It is described as offering a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. This indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is designed to provide a smooth, gentle, and refined typing feel, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. While there is no specific information on the feel of the Foggy Shadow switch, we can infer that with its light tactile bump and medium weight, it likely provides a balanced and comfortable typing experience similar to the G Pro 3.0 Red switch.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow is known for its light tactile bump and moderate weight, appealing to those seeking a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red boasts a smooth and creamy typing feel, enhanced by its medium-light actuation force and refined finish. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a reliable and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a very light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a smooth linear typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red could be the better option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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