Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear switch like the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and a tactile switch like the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring can make a significant impact on your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heavy actuation and bottom-out force, providing a substantial typing feel that appeals to those seeking a more pronounced keystroke. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility, making it a great option for users who prefer a more subtle feedback while typing. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sensation and sound profile. 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
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Black combines an INK blend top housing with a POM bottom housing, resulting in a thin and higher-pitched sound on key release and a deeper, more muted sound on bottom-out. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, crisper sound profile throughout key presses. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a contrast between the top and bottom housing materials, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides consistency in sound due to its uniform polycarbonate construction.
In terms of aesthetics, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing may appeal to those who appreciate a more understated look, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate housing offers a sleek and modern appearance, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Functionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's housing material contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Black's combination of INK blend and POM housing materials result in a unique combination of high-pitched and deep tones.
Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black providing a mix of high-pitched and muted tones, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring delivers a consistently sharp and crisp sound. Whether you prefer the contrast of different housing materials in the G Pro 3.0 Black or the uniformity of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a lower actuation force of 48 grams and a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Black will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring will offer a lighter typing experience ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. It's important to consider weight when choosing switches as lighter switches are great for extended use, while heavier switches provide a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This allows for consistent typing or gaming experiences, as the tactile feedback will be consistent regardless of which switch you choose to use. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is the same, providing users with a comparable typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a sense of crispness and brightness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that is sure to please the ears. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a more clacky sound while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a deeper and more tactile sensation.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is often described as creamy and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys. This switch provides a medium-heavy feel that is both substantial and comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is known for its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively sensation to typing. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black focusing on a smooth and creamy feel while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a more elastic and bouncy sensation.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer distinctive sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a creamy, silky typing feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a deep and thocky sound along with a bouncy and lively tactile response. Choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a heavier typing experience and enjoys a medium-high pitch sound profile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a more approachable tactility with a thocky sound profile and a lighter feeling switch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch would be the perfect match. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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