Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko V3 Matcha Green 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 Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch. The Cloudy Shadow switch, known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, offers a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch provides a smooth and substantial feel, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and low-pitched typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro switch is characterized by its bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky feel. Each switch has unique qualities that cater 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housings.
On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Typing on switches with nylon housings can offer a unique typing experience that may appeal to users looking for a different sound and feel compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. Although both switches offer nylon bottom housings, their respective top housings might provide a different tactile feedback.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro feature similar polycarbonate top housings, their differentiation in bottom housing materials - nylon for the Cloudy Shadow and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro - offers users a choice in sound profiles. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of these materials in a switch can result in a unique typing experience tailored to the user's preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Cloudy Shadow requires no specific actuation force for keystrokes, making it a light option compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, both switches have a bottom out force of around 63 grams, making them quite similar in terms of the pressure needed to fully press the key down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow for extended typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch. The Cloudy Shadow offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Cloudy Shadow being ideal for fast-paced gaming and the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a more deliberate typing experience. Despite their differences in travel distance, both switches are designed to provide a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloudy Shadow for $3.91.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow tone that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound, with sharp and bright characteristics that create an immersive auditory experience. While the Cloudy Shadow delivers a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, the Matcha Green Pro offers a crisp and percussive sound with higher-pitched tones, providing variety for users depending on their preferences. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensation when typing. These characteristics indicate a lively and elastic feedback, smooth and buttery keystrokes, refined key travel, and exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users who prefer a more dynamic and luxurious typing feel may find the Matcha Green Pro appealing, while those looking for a gentler and approachable typing experience may gravitate towards the Cloudy Shadow.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and mild typing experience with a low-pitched sound, while the Matcha Green Pro delivers a clacky and resonant feel with a bouncy and creamy typing sensation. Users can choose between these switches based on their preferences for sound and feel, knowing that both options offer innovative features and quality construction. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Cloudy Shadow or the Matcha Green Pro, you can expect a satisfying and efficient typing experience with similar results in terms of performance and durability in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a bouncy and creamy feel with a polished and silky typing experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro might be the perfect fit for you. However, if you are seeking a mild and neutral typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow could be the ideal choice. Consider your priorities in terms of sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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