Aflion Panda vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, a linear switch, present two distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, setting a new gold standard for those who prioritize hypertactility and sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly price point while still offering a unique poppy and clacky sound coupled with impressive smoothness. While the Panda excels in its tactile response, the Cream Black Pro shines in its affordability and smooth linear action. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the typing experience. Despite being different keyboards, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches will likely result in similar sound profiles and performance.
On the other hand, the Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material contributes to the overall typing experience of each keyboard, with the Panda offering a unique sound profile that may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing may cater to those who prefer a more rounded sound when typing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offers distinct audio characteristics for users to consider. While both keyboards share the benefits of polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound depth and fullness. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Panda's nylon bottom housing or a rounder sound with the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, each keyboard offers a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch with a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Panda requiring 60 grams and the V3 Cream Black Pro needing 65 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Aflion Panda would be the better choice. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, providing a comfortable typing experience for users with different preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Panda offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a slightly quicker response time with its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster keystrokes. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Panda emphasizing depth and the V3 Cream Black Pro prioritizing speed. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Panda has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Panda for $3.56.
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched sound with a poppy and clacky tone that is sharp and crisp. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Panda leans towards a richer and sonorous echo, while the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more lively and sharp sound. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for either a deeper, thocky sound or a high-pitched, poppy tone.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is praised for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet provides a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a smooth, bouncy, and polished typing sensation with a spring-like feedback. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a medium tactility level, the Panda would be the ideal choice. However, if you favor a smooth and buttery typing experience with a bouncy and snappy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be more suited to your preferences.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep, thocky sound profile, perfect for those who seek a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality linear switch with a poppy and clacky sound and a smooth, bouncy, and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize hyper-tactility and sonorous sound or a smooth, bouncy typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force with hyper-tactility and a deep "thocky" sound, the Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a unique poppy and clacky sound, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what features matter most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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