Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features worth considering. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 switches are an excellent choice for those on a budget looking for high-quality options. These switches stand out for their poppy and clacky sound, smoothness, and overall polished feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadows linears provide a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from their extended spring and a comfortable 55g bottom-out. While the Cream Black Pro V3 is categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Windy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches are translucent, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound characteristics to the V3 Cream Black Pro.
While the top housings of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow both utilize polycarbonate, the bottom housings differ with the V3 Cream Black Pro using nylon and the Windy Shadow also using nylon. This results in a split of qualities between the top and bottom of each switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, due to the absorbing nature of nylon. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a combination of clear, crisp sounds from polycarbonate and deep, fuller sounds from nylon in both switches, providing a diverse typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for sharp and clear sounds, the nylon bottom housings of each switch provide a deeper and fuller sound experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience, with the impact of each material felt differently depending on whether pressing down or releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer a versatile and customizable typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that they have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has an unknown actuation force but a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This makes the Windy Shadow a lighter option compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the Windy Shadow, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the V3 Cream Black Pro. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Windy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Black Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the shorter travel distance of the Cream Black Pro offers quicker feedback, while the longer travel distance of the Windy Shadow provides a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel with slight variations in travel distance.
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 Windy 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 Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 is noted for its high-pitched and poppy sound, which adds a sharp and crisp element to typing. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a more distinctive sound while the Windy Shadow provides a more versatile and balanced option depending on your preference for sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience. The combination of smoothness and responsiveness in these switches allows for a buttery typing sensation with a lively and polished finish. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. While the V3 Cream Black Pro focuses on a more dynamic and polished typing experience, the Windy Shadow opts for a mild and safe middle-ground in terms of feel.
In conclusion, when comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it's evident that both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Black Pro excels in providing a high-pitched and creamy typing experience with a distinctive sound profile, while the Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched, neutral sound with a mild and gentle feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences for sound and typing experience, with both switches providing quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a high-pitched sound profile, and a creamy, bouncy, snappy, or polished feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a low-pitched or neutral sound profile, and a mild feel, the Windy Shadow could be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, make your decision based on what aspects of typing experience matter most to you.
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