Aflion Panda vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that provide unique experiences are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it a top choice for those seeking a satisfying typing experience with strong tactile feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, catering to those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile sensation. Both switches have their own distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. While both keyboards share this feature, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The Panda opts for a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing with similar sound characteristics.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch has a direct impact on the sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. With the Panda's nylon bottom housing, typists will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a similar experience with its nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both keyboards, has a greater impact on the sound when key is released. This split between top and bottom materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the unique qualities of both materials.
Overall, despite having different bottom housing materials, the Aflion Panda and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro share similar sound profiles due to their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both keyboards provide a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound that is enhanced by the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of each keyboard adds a depth and fullness to the sound profile, creating a more rounded typing experience. Ultimately, while there are differences in the housing materials, both keyboards offer a high-quality sound profile that is sure to satisfy keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch both have the same actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equally medium in terms of weight. In terms of actuation force, they both require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when bottoming out, both switches require the same amount of force to fully press down. Some prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others prefer heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, both the Panda and V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches offer a balanced weight that caters to a wide range of preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow Pro. The Panda's 4 mm distance is more traditional and provides a deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by those who like a bit more depth in their switches. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow Pro's 3.3 mm travel distance is shallower and may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the Panda offering a longer distance and the Cream Yellow Pro providing a shorter one.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the 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 Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience without being overly loud. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, but ultimately deliver a satisfying audio feedback during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Panda tactile switch offers an invigorating and accented tactile sensation, providing a moderate to firm actuation force and a pronounced feedback that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and responsive typing feel with minimal exertion required during key presses. While the Panda switch focuses on providing a hyper-tactile experience, the Cream Yellow Pro switch prioritizes a comfortable and effortless typing feel.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch is best suited for those who prioritize a hyper-tactile typing experience with a deep and resonant sound profile, while the Cream Yellow Pro switch caters to individuals looking for a smoother and more effortless typing feel with a poppy sound. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, as both options provide unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, you should opt for the Panda if you prioritize hyper-tactility, a thocky sound profile, and a medium tactile feel that offers an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option with a poppy, clacky sound, smoothness, and a creamy tactile feel that is easy-to-press and feathery for reduced finger fatigue, then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience.
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