Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find that both offer their own unique characteristics and advantages. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a linear switch that is praised for its smoothness, distinctive poppy and clacky sound, and budget-friendly price point, making it an excellent choice for individuals looking for high-quality switches without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch known for its medium-high tactility, deep thocks, and two-staged spring design, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specific attributes of each switch will ultimately help you determine the best fit for your keyboard preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with this material.
In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring benefit from having a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound. The differences arise when looking at the bottom housing material. While the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, with the V3 Cream Black Pro providing a deeper sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a sharper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Depending on whether you prefer a fuller or crisper sound, each switch provides a unique typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 63 grams, making it the heavier option between the two. However, both switches share the same actuation force of 55 grams, which means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of initial key press. The choice between these switches may come down to personal preference, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a more substantial typing experience while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a slightly lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the feel and performance of the switches, catering to different typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched and crispy sound when pressed, providing a sharp and distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering a bright and percussive typing experience. Both switches bring a unique sound profile to the table, ensuring that users have a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with a spring-like feedback. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a sharp and accented tactile feel, with a prominent tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Both switches exhibit responsiveness and liveliness in their typing feel, ensuring that users can enjoy a distinct tactile experience based on their preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro switch may feel more polished and gliding due to factory lubrication, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch presents a distinct tactile bump that is more pronounced.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Black Pro switch provides a high-pitched and smooth typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) switch delivers a clacky and tactile sensation. Users can choose between the switches based on their preference for sound and feel, ensuring that they can find a switch that aligns with their typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for enthusiasts seeking a diverse range of mechanical keyboard experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a slight bounce and snappy response, then the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-high level of tactility, a sharp and crisp sound profile, and a distinct tactile bump with a rebound effect, then the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what qualities matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that enhances your typing experience and aligns with your individual preferences.
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