Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Aflion Thunder Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between a linear switch and a tactile switch. The G Pro 3.0 Silver offers lightning-fast responsiveness and competitive advantage with its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion provides a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance, offering a medium weight feel and a neutral sound signature. Each switch caters to different preferences and playstyles, making them suitable for different types of users. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. However, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller tone. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
While both switches share similarities in their top housing material of polycarbonate, the distinction lies in their bottom housing composition. The differences in sound profile between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Thunder Shadow can be attributed to the properties of their respective bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver absorbs more sound and produces a rounder tone, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow creates a sharper sound. This contrast in bottom housing material contributes to a unique typing experience for each switch.
In terms of performance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer distinct sound profiles due to their differing bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a deep and full sound, enhancing the overall typing experience, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow absorbs less sound, resulting in a crisper tone. Despite their differences, both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences, making them excellent options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking variety in sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Thunder Shadow will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Silver is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a light and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow boasts a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, although its actuation force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver for extended typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Thunder Shadow for a stronger push experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more deliberate keypress may opt for the Thunder Shadow with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key response and feel.
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 Thunder 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 Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, suitable for a variety of preferences and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing or gaming experience, depending on individual preferences and setup.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel. While these switches offer different tactile experiences, they both aim to provide a satisfying and immersive typing or gaming experience for users.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile with a buttery and creamy typing experience, ideal for gamers looking for a competitive edge. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch offers a neutral sound signature and an invigorating typing experience, catering to a wider range of preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, you would want to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers lightning-fast responsiveness and vibrant RGB lighting for an enhanced gaming experience. The 50-gram bottom-out force and unique sound profile make these switches ideal for gamers seeking a competitive edge. On the other hand, you would want to choose the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch if you prefer a medium weight feel with a pronounced tactile bump and a neutral sound signature. The 63.5-gram bottom-out force and invigorating typing sensation make these switches suitable for a wide range of users, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist looking for a balanced and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Thunder Shadow will depend on your specific preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
