Aflion Panda vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a linear switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Panda from Aflion is celebrated for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, catering to those who value intense tactility and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro by Akko is tailored for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes with a pleasant bassy sound, along with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance ideal for gaming scenarios where speed is crucial. While the Panda is accentuated, invigorating, and resonant, the V3 Silver Pro is easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, high-pitched, polished, and silky. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing aspect to the keyboards. This shared material choice ensures consistency in sound quality and aesthetics between the two keyboards.
On the other hand, the Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a subtle variation in typing sound and feel between the two keyboards. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows each component to contribute its unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Panda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile and feel of a keyboard. While they share polycarbonate top housing for a consistent sound quality, the Panda's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound experience compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro. The choice of housing materials in a keyboard plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience, highlighting the importance of material selection in keyboard design and customization.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's lighter force of 40 grams. Similarly, the Panda also requires more force to bottom out at 60 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 45 grams. The Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter touch ideal for longer typing sessions. Both switches have their advantages - the Panda for those who prefer a sturdy feel and the V3 Silver Pro for those seeking a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we can see that the Panda has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing users with a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm travel distance is shallower, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Panda providing a more substantial key press feel and the V3 Silver Pro offering a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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
The Aflion Panda tactile switch is popular among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for its distinct "thocky" sound profile, characterized by a deep and resonant echo that provides a satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is designed with gamers in mind, offering a pleasing bassy sound with each keystroke. While the Panda switch provides a hyper-tactile sensation and a full-bodied audio feedback, the V3 Silver Pro switch features a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, ideal for scenarios where precision and speed are crucial.
When it comes to sound, the Panda switch offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience, while the V3 Silver Pro switch produces a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. The choice of sound profile ultimately depends on personal preference, as different switches may complement varying setups and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Panda switch is described as invigorating and accented, providing a pronounced tactile feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch is known for being easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation force and feedback, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and usage scenarios. Whether you value hyper-tactility and a resonant sound profile or prefer a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and intended usage.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you value a medium bottom out force, hyper-tactility, and a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light bottom out force, a smooth keystroke for gaming, and a pleasing bassy sound, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific attributes that best suit your typing style and preferences.
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