Aflion Panda vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Panda is widely recognized for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it a top choice for those who value intense tactility and a rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro switches by Akko provide a smooth and substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a solid and responsive keystroke with a satisfying bottom-out experience. While the Panda is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Matcha Green Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. With both keyboards using polycarbonate in their top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Panda utilizes nylon while the V3 Matcha Green Pro also features nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. Both keyboards share this aspect, meaning users can enjoy a similar typing experience with regards to the sound produced by the bottom housing material.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may lead to slight variations in sound profiles when pressing down on the switches. The impact of the bottom housing material is more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both keyboards offer a high-quality typing experience, with the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housings allowing users to tailor their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch both have medium actuation and bottom out forces, with the Panda being slightly lighter at 50 grams actuation and 60 grams bottom out compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro at 55 grams actuation and 63 grams bottom out. The lighter actuation force of the Panda may make it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, allowing for less finger fatigue. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Panda being on the longer side and the Matcha Green Pro being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Matcha Green Pro for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 Panda tactile switch is known for its deep, resonant "thocky" sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience with each key press. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, creating a crisp and percussive typing experience. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Panda tends to produce a lower-pitched, more immersive sound, while the Matcha Green Pro switch leans towards a brighter and more percussive tone. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, on the other hand, offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel. Each key press on the Matcha Green Pro switch is polished and silky, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Panda switch emphasizes a more tactile and invigorating feel, the Matcha Green Pro switch prioritizes a smooth and bouncy sensation that is satisfying to both typists and gamers alike. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Panda switch excels in providing a deep and resonant "thocky" sound profile, paired with an invigorating and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a sharp and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel that is smooth and satisfying. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, so selecting the ideal switch depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience. Whether you prefer a hyper-tactile typing experience with resonant sound or a smooth and buttery feel with clacky sound, both the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer top-tier performance in the mechanical keyboard realm.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile, then the Panda switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a medium tactile switch with pronounced feedback, the Panda switch would be ideal, whereas if you prefer a bouncy and creamy typing experience with reduced friction, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch would meet your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics that each switch offers.
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