Aflion Panda vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, both tactile switches. The Panda by Aflion is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile, setting a new standard for those who prioritize tactile feedback and sonorous audio. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro by Akko presents a budget-friendly option with a poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and a creamy, tactile sensation. While both switches offer unique qualities and appeal to different preferences, such as hypetactility and full-bodied feedback in the Panda and lively, audible feedback in the Cream Blue Pro, diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best decision for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Panda and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience on each switch.
In terms of sound and feel, the nylon bottom housing of the Panda plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the polycarbonate top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Conversely, the Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top and bottom housings provide a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Panda delivering a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing and the Cream Blue Pro offering a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its polycarbonate material.
While both the Aflion Panda and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, they differ in their bottom housing materials with the Panda using nylon and the Cream Blue Pro using polycarbonate. This contrast results in a deeper and fuller sound on the Panda and a more consistent sound on the Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch both fall into the medium actuation force range, with the Panda requiring 50 grams and the V3 Cream Blue Pro needing 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda is slightly heavier at 60 grams compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 55 grams. This makes the V3 Cream Blue Pro a slightly lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Panda offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, providing a different tactile experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of comparison, the Panda offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key compared to the Cream Blue Pro. Gamers who prefer a faster response time may lean towards the Cream Blue Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial press may prefer the Panda. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, providing users with options depending on their preference for key feel.
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 Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 offers a resonant typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro delivers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is smooth and lively. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Panda emphasizing a deep thocky echo while the V3 Cream Blue Pro focuses on a creamy tactile sensation.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as invigorating and accented, offering a pronounced feedback with a firm actuation force for an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch also features an accented tactile feel that is described as bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a spring-like and responsive typing experience with smooth key travel. Both switches excel in providing tactile feedback while offering slightly different tactile sensations to suit individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches both offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Panda delivers a hyper-tactile sensation with a thocky sound profile, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Aflion Panda offering a richer sound profile and hyper-tactile feel, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a lively and smooth tactile sensation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a deeply tactile switch with a "thocky" sound profile, the Panda switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and appreciate a lively, poppy sound profile paired with a smooth typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Choose the switch that aligns best with what you enjoy most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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