Aflion Blush vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The world of mechanical keyboard switches offers a vast array of options, each with unique characteristics to suit individual preferences. Two switches, the Aflion Blush and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, stand out among the competition for their distinct qualities. The Blush, a linear switch, captivates users with its smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole that produces a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch from Gateron, aims to provide a delicate and subtle bump that seamlessly integrates into typing flow. With an added frosted light diffuser, it enhances the visual experience with vibrant RGB lighting. Moreover, its medium-high pitch delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. These switches offer unique advantages, promising a delightful typing experience, depending on your preferences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown share similar housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who value the sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
However, where these two keyboards differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon. The nylon bottom housing of both keyboards contributes to creating a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials, the bottom housing has a more noticeable effect on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, pressing down on these switches will allow you to appreciate the qualities of the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing's impact becomes prominent when you release a key, affecting the sound produced. In both the Blush and the G Pro 3.0 Brown, the polycarbonate top housing plays a vital role in the sound profile when keys are let go.
In summary, while the Blush and the G Pro 3.0 Brown share a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing. The Blush's nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's nylon bottom housing also brings about a duller and rounder sound. Both keyboards offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, showcasing the significance of material choice in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is apparent that they both have medium bottom out forces, with the Blush at 58 grams and the G Pro 3.0 Brown at 63 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, both switches provide a similar level of resistance. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Blush's exact force is unknown, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This slight difference suggests that the G Pro 3.0 Brown may have a slightly lighter touch when it comes to actuation.
Considering the weight of the switches, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it a suitable choice for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may find the Blush's actuation force to be more in line with their preferences.
In summary, while both switches have similar medium bottom out forces, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a known lighter actuation force compared to the Aflion Blush linear switch. Choosing between the two would come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blush. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is shallower. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular in recent times, especially among gamers who prefer quicker response times. If you prioritize a more responsive experience, the Blush with its shorter 3.3 mm travel distance would be the suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a greater sense of depth and a more substantial feel when pressing the keys, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's longer travel distance may be your preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preference and the specific experience you are seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.
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.
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 Aflion Blush is known for its low-pitched tone, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown does not have any specific sound descriptions provided. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction, keycaps, and overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush is often described as creamy, silky, and buttery. These descriptors highlight the smooth and effortless typing experience provided by the switch. With its lubricated factory application and specific materials, the Blush offers a silky sensation that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. These qualities indicate that the switch offers a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. It provides a low-impact and responsive typing feel with a safe middle-ground approach.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out for its smooth and snappy type feel, accompanied by a poppy sound signature. It offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown embraces an economical solution without compromising on quality. It provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, reinforced by a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting. With a medium-high pitch, it adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions. While the sound qualities of the G Pro 3.0 Brown are not explicitly described, its feel is characterized as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience, but it's important to consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps for a complete understanding of the subjective qualities.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch have their unique features that make them suitable for different preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush switch might just be the perfect fit for you. Its two-stage spring and long pole contribute to its creamy, silky, and buttery feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer gentle resistance during key presses and a low-impact typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. Its easy-to-press nature, mild characteristics, and stepped tactile feedback strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired sound and feel, and whether you lean towards a linear switch with a snappy response or a tactile switch with a gentle bump.
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