Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch that offers a budget-friendly option for those who appreciate a polished and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch known for its medium-high level of tactility, achieved through its long, two-staged spring. Typing on the Shadow switches yields deep and resonating thocks, creating a clacky and sharp sensation. Both switches possess unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience; however, let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best switch choice for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
15.4mm long spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it especially appealing for users who prioritize aesthetics and customizations. Therefore, in terms of the top housing material, both switches provide similar results in terms of sound and lighting options.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes nylon, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, helps absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature enhances clarity and resonance. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is likely to provide a deeper and rounder sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will deliver a sharper and crisper sound.
It's important to note that the distinction between the top and bottom housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing adds a different dimension to its sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing. The combination of these materials creates unique and distinct experiences when typing on each switch. Additionally, the top housing material can impact the sound when releasing a key, further differentiating the switches in terms of auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 50 grams of force, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires slightly more at 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category, making them suitable for users who prefer a balanced feel.
On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is heavier with a force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a lower bottom out force of 63 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison.
For individuals who prioritize a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the preferred option due to its lower actuation force and relatively higher bottom out force. It allows for longer periods of typing without causing excessive fatigue. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, with its slightly higher actuation force and lower bottom out force, provides a more balanced and responsive typing experience.
Overall, while there are slight differences in the actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches, both offer a solid typing experience within the medium range. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired weight and feel of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. So, whether you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch has a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile when pressed. This means that each keystroke will produce a sharp and crisp sound, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers deep, resonating thocks when typing. This results in a rich and percussive sound, contributing to the overall typing experience. Both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, which ensures a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. The keys glide effortlessly, creating a sleek and enjoyable typing sensation. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. This means that the switch provides a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. It is neither overwhelming nor subtle, offering a prominent amount of tactility. The switch is also super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, giving it a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the switch has a mild feel compared to hypertactile switches, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile, along with a polished and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides deep and resonating thocks while typing, and a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feel. Although they have different characteristics, both switches offer unique and satisfying typing experiences. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound and a smoother typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is a great choice. If you prefer a switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a more complex sound and feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is perfect for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. It offers a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force of 63 grams and a medium-high level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect. It features a deep, resonating thock sound when typing and offers a range of tactile descriptors such as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. Both switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer a linear switch with a bouncy feel and clacky sound or a tactile switch with a resonating thock sound and various tactile sensations, the choice is yours.
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