Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it's clear that both have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro is perfect for those who enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a smooth feel, while the Foggy Shadow offers a light tactile bump with a medium weight bottom-out force. The Cream Yellow Pro is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', while the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral'. Depending on whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or a subtle tactile bump, each switch has its own strengths. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Aflion Foggy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for users who prioritize sound clarity in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. With similar top housings, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of sound and aesthetics between the two switches.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Similarly, the Aflion Foggy Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of sound quality and tactile feedback in the typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent and satisfying typing sound across both switches.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Aflion Foggy Shadow prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback through their housing materials. While they may differ in terms of color and branding, the similarities in their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a comparable typing experience. Users can expect crisp, clear sound profiles from the polycarbonate top housings and deep, full sounds from the nylon bottom housings, making both switches a solid choice for those who value sound quality in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is 60 grams, slightly lighter than the Foggy Shadow's 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times, the slight difference in distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and how you like your typing or gaming experience to feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The Aflion Foggy 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 Foggy 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
In sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is characterized by a poppy, clacky sound that offers a vibrant auditory experience, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow features a low-pitched, neutral sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow. The choice of board, keycaps, and personal preference will also play a significant role in the overall sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is praised for its easy-to-press nature, feathery lightness, bouncy feedback, snappy responsiveness, and polished finish, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare their tactile qualities.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a combination of a poppy sound with a smooth feel, ideal for those seeking a vivid auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile sensation. Meanwhile, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a light tactile bump with a balanced performance and medium weight, catering to those who prefer a neutral sound profile and potentially moderate tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you value a satisfying auditory experience paired with a smooth tactile feel and a medium bottom-out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump with a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a balanced performance, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what suits your typing style best. Happy typing!
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