Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch are both unique options in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. The Cloudy Shadow switch from Aflion is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch from Akko stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Cloudy Shadow switch leans towards a mild and low-pitched profile, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a range of characteristics such as being bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky. The decision between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, but let's delve deeper into their specific features to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic housings. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. This similarity in the housing material of the bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a satisfying sound feedback to the user during typing.
In terms of the top housing material, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite the difference in material, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences of users.
While the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ in their choice of top housing material, the overall typing experience is likely to be satisfying for users of both switches. The combination of polycarbonate in the Cloudy Shadow and nylon in the V3 Piano Pro provides a balance between sharpness and depth in sound profiles, offering users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in influencing the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. The actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is unknown, whereas the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the V3 Piano Pro is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Cloudy Shadow. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience a similar key travel distance of 3.5 mm. This distance is typical for linear switches and provides a smooth keystroke experience. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and comfortable key travel distance, resulting in similar results for users.
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 Piano 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 Piano 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 Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and balanced auditory experience suitable for various settings. In comparison, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, adding a lively and sharp quality to each keystroke. When it comes to feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle ground, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation coupled with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Overall, while the Cloudy Shadow and V3 Piano Pro switches offer different sound profiles and typing experiences, users can expect quality and innovation from both switches, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel that align with your preferences. The Cloudy Shadow, with its medium-heavy 63.5g bottom out force, offers a balanced typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro, with its medium-light 55g bottom out force, provides a snappy and resonant sound signature along with a bouncy and creamy tactile feel, creating a lively and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a more bouncy and resonant typing feel with a snappy sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a neutral and low-pitched sound with a mild typing experience, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow could be the ideal fit for your needs. Consider your personal preferences and typing habits to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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