Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and a satisfying typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, delivers an exceptional combination of affordability and quality. With a gentle tactile sensation, these switches provide a subtle bump that doesn't disrupt your typing flow. The frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating a visually immersive experience. Additionally, the medium-high pitch offers a satisfying auditory feedback to elevate your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a great choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a moderate level of tactility. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, these switches offer ease of use without compromising on the typing experience. Additionally, they produce a deep and thocky sound profile that enhances the satisfaction of each keystroke. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. Both switches prioritize these qualities in their top housing to enhance the overall typing experience.
However, when comparing the bottom housings, there is a notable difference between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. This provides a unique tactile experience for users who enjoy a more subdued and muffled sound while typing. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This ensures consistency in sound profile throughout the switch, maintaining the sharpness, higher-pitched notes, and crispness.
The distinction between the top and bottom housings of a switch is crucial in understanding the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. As mentioned earlier, both switches exploit the qualities of polycarbonate in their respective top housings, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound upon key release. However, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's use of nylon in the bottom housing offers a contrast in sound, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's consistent polycarbonate throughout. These subtle variations allow users to choose a switch that aligns with their preference for both the press and release sounds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it becomes clear that they have some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires a slightly lighter 48 grams. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a lighter actuation force, making it easier to initiate a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a heavier force of 63 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 55 grams. This signifies that the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel when fully depressing the keys.
Considering weight preferences, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, as its actuation force is lower. This lighter force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more solid and heavyweight feel when pressing the keys may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown. With its heavier bottom out force, it delivers a more satisfying and substantial typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offer different actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is heavier in both aspects, providing a stronger push feel and more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is lighter in actuation and bottom out forces, resulting in a smoother and lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance as they travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results and offer a consistent tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is described as having a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. While the sound of a switch is dependent on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, the G Pro Brown is known to provide a delightful and subtle sound profile that adds an extra layer of joy to typing sessions. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are not specified in the information provided. However, it is mentioned that the switch features a deep and thocky sound profile, indicating a potentially satisfying and resonant sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is described as having an easy-to-press and mild tactile feel. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This easy actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro Brown provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel, which enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, it is mentioned that the switch has a stepped feel, meaning it has a mild tactile bump that can be felt before and/or after the actuation point. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's feel is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This suggests that the keys have a lively feel, offering rebound when pressed.
Overall, based on the information provided, the subjective qualities of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches differ in sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a medium-high pitch and a delightful, subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump. It provides an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, with a stepped feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a potentially deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel that provides rebound when pressed. It is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and it is recommended to try out different switches firsthand to determine the best fit for personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is an exceptional choice. With a medium-bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches offer a delightful and subtle tactile sensation that adds a gentle bump to enhance your typing flow. The frosted light diffuser ensures your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, the medium-high pitch of the G Pro Brown delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding joy to your typing sessions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. These switches provide a very approachable tactility, allowing for a pleasant typing experience. Featuring a deep and thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a unique auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate.
In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is described as [description of sound]. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for its easy-to-press characteristic, requiring minimal force to activate. This enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. Additionally, these switches are described as mild, meaning they provide a gentle typing experience that most individuals find approachable. Lastly, the G Pro 3.0 Brown can be classified as a stepped switch, offering a mild two-stage tactile sensation.
On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and adds a sense of rebound when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring boils down to personal preferences. If you value a budget-friendly option with a delightful tactile sensation, immersive RGB lighting, and a satisfying auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a great pick. However, if you prioritize a lower actuation and bottom-out force, along with a unique deep and thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is the switch for you. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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