Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct characteristics to enhance your typing or gaming experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, stands out for its lightning-fast responsiveness and exceptional gaming performance. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide quick actuation, giving you a competitive advantage. Coupled with vibrant RGB lighting and an exhilarating auditory element, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the perfect choice for gamers on a budget. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch, offers a medium level of tactility and approachability. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. Additionally, its deep and thocky sound profile adds to the immersive typing experience. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in similar characteristics. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile. This material creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound when typing, providing a more precise and crisp experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound and visual experience due to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a nylon bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon housing. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a more impactful sensation when pressing down.
In summary, both switches offer a similar experience when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharp and resonant sound with the option of incorporating RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires a slightly higher force of 48 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a light actuation force, so those who prefer a lighter touch will find similar results with either option. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the G Pro 3.0 Silver again proves to be lighter with a force of 50 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 55 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a more gentle typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a slightly more substantial push feel. Depending on personal preference, individuals may opt for the lighter G Pro 3.0 Silver for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a bit more resistance may prefer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both have a 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 traveled. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
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) 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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". On the other hand, the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is not specified, so it is unknown how it compares to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy. This means that these switches provide a smooth, fluid, and uniform typing experience. Pressing these switches feels effortless and seamless, as if gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a bouncy feel. When pressed, these switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively feel and rebound to your keystrokes.
In conclusion, while the sound and feel of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches have been described, the specific qualities of the Aflion switch in these aspects are unknown. However, based on the information provided, the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound with a buttery and creamy feel, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy. If you are looking for a switch with similar sound and feel to the G Pro 3.0 Silver, it might be worth exploring other switches that are known for these characteristics. Remember to consider additional factors that can affect the overall typing experience, such as the keyboard board and keycaps selected.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly gaming switch that offers lightning-fast responsiveness and vibrant RGB lighting, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver is the perfect choice for you. With its lighter bottom out force and medium-high pitch sound profile, it enhances your gaming experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, we highly recommend the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. With its lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a very approachable tactility and a satisfying auditory experience. So, ultimately, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is ideal for gamers seeking speed and responsiveness, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is perfect for those looking for a tactile and satisfying typing experience.
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