Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White offer distinct advantages to different types of typists. The Aflion Foggy Shadow is a tactile switch known for its light tactile bump and medium weight, making it a great choice for those looking for a balanced and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch with an incredibly light actuation force, perfect for delicate typists who prefer effortless keystrokes. While both switches have their own unique qualities, such as Aflion's low-pitched and neutral sound profile and Gateron's clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic helps create a clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. In terms of sound and feel, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, providing a satisfying auditory experience for the user.
On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White both feature nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials, the bottom housing tends to have a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience for the user.
Although the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White differ in terms of top and bottom components, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a distinctive sound profile with a sharper and crisper tone, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials results in a well-balanced typing experience that caters to users seeking a blend of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction in their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and an actuation force of 38 grams. The lighter weight of the G Pro 3.0 White may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier weight of the Foggy Shadow could be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have different travel distances, with the Foggy Shadow having a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's 4 mm. While both switches provide a unique typing experience, the Foggy Shadow offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it preferred by gamers for its speed. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter distance of the Foggy Shadow offering a faster response and the longer distance of the G Pro 3.0 White providing a more deliberate 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 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 Foggy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as clacky, neutral, and subdued, giving a sharp, bright sound with a dampened characteristic. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different user preferences.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have any specific descriptors provided in the information. Meanwhile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. This indicates that the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a smooth, low-resistance typing experience that is comfortable and reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for various typing sessions and preferences.
Considering the available information, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow provides a light tactile bump with a neutral and low-pitched sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 White delivers a creamy, easy-to-press typing experience with a clacky, neutral, and subdued sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches aim to provide a balanced performance and innovative features that cater to different types of typists and enthusiasts in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow is the right choice for you. Aflion's commitment to balanced performance shines through in this innovative switch. On the other hand, if you seek a light bottom-out force and a budget-friendly option with a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is the perfect fit. Gateron's G Pro series delivers a premium typing experience at an affordable price point, making it ideal for delicate typists. Choose based on your preference for tactile feedback and actuation force, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a light tactile bump in the Foggy Shadow or a smooth, creamy typing experience in the G Pro 3.0 White, both switches offer quality performance and reliability for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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