Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, is best known for its exceptional gaming experience and unmatched value. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving gamers a competitive advantage. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch add an exhilarating visual and auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, offers a medium-high level of tactility, perfect for those who prefer a more satisfying typing experience. The deep, resonating thocks produced when typing on these switches further enhance the overall satisfaction. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that have RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top housings of both switches.
However, the bottom housings of the switches differ in material. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. This stiffer plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. The impact and bottom-out sound and feel of the switch are influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing.
In summary, while both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housings, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Depending on the preference for sound profile, users can choose between these switches based on the desired sound characteristics during key presses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly more resistant to trigger a keystroke.
Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the G Pro 3.0 Silver again exhibits a lighter force with 50 grams, providing a softer and gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a higher force of 63 grams to bottom out, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel.
Therefore, those looking for a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver, as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. Conversely, individuals seeking a more pronounced and robust typing experience might lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver 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 Silver for $3.27.
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double 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) Double 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 Silver switch provides a bassy and low-pitched profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound can be described as a satisfying "thocky" sound, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive nature. If you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more distinct sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more suitable.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This implies a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, often described as "buttery" or "creamy". These switches offer a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharp and accented tactile feedback. The strong and crisp tactile bump is prominent and can be distinctly felt with each keypress. This switch also provides a snappy and bouncy sensation, adding a spring-like or elastic feedback to the typing experience. If you prefer a more uniform and smooth typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more suitable.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a buttery or creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a sharp and accented tactile feedback. If you prefer a more bass-rich sound with a smooth typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be a good choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a sharper and more distinct sound with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more suitable. It is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a light switch with lightning-fast responsiveness for gaming, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the choice for you. With its bottom out force of 50 grams and shorter travel distance, it offers unmatched value and exceptional gaming performance. Additionally, its vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch add an exhilarating visual and auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with medium-high tactility and deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the perfect option. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, it provides a satisfying typing experience and a noticeable tactile bump. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your specific preferences and priorities for gaming or typing.
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