Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch, it's important to consider the unique qualities of each. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile response. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a very approachable typing experience with a deep and thocky sound profile. While each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual preferences and typing needs. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic, providing a clear and resonant sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper and clearer sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
Despite both switches featuring polycarbonate in their top housing, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring differ in their choice of bottom housing material. This contrast in materials affects the overall sound profile and feel of typing on the switches. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring maintains a sharper and crisper sound. When typing on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will impact the sound upon key release.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound profile and overall typing experience of mechanical switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound quality and typing feel is crucial for keyboard enthusiasts seeking distinct auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 48 grams. Similarly, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 55 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a slightly more substantial typing experience than the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, which is considered medium-light in comparison. However, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a moderate key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a slightly heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking fast reactions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a deeper press with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial key feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being shorter while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is longer in travel distance.
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 Shadow (Ink) Single 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) Single 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
In terms of sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is best characterized by a poppy, clacky sound that offers a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a deep and thocky sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory dimension to your typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing a gentle resistance during key presses for a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, these switches are described as feathery, offering a light keypress that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is recognized for its bouncy feedback, providing a spring-like sensation with lively rebound when keys are pressed. This tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, making it a popular choice for those seeking a responsive typing feel.
Overall, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) tactile switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Yellow Pro offers a poppy sound and a smooth feel, the Shadow switch provides a deep thocky sound and bouncy tactile feedback. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, both switches are reputable choices within the mechanical keyboard community, ensuring a high-quality typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy and approachable tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value the most - whether it's the satisfying auditory feedback of the Cream Yellow Pro or the tactile response of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.
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