Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, a linear switch. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion is gaining recognition in the market for its light tactile bump and medium weight with a 63.5g bottom-out force, highlighting Aflion's dedication to balanced performance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are renowned for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow offers a more subtle tactile feedback, the V3 Piano Pro excels in its auditory charm and smooth keystrokes. 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
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature nylon in their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. However, the Foggy Shadow's top housing is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound profile compared to the Piano Pro's nylon top housing, which produces a duller and rounder sound. This difference in top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing allows for better light diffusion, making it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing may not be as visually appealing for users looking to customize their keyboard with colorful lighting effects. This difference in material choice for the top housing highlights how the intended use and design preferences can influence the selection of housing materials in mechanical switches.
While both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing for a similar sound profile, the choice of polycarbonate in the Foggy Shadow's top housing results in a crisper and more resonant sound compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro. This distinction showcases how the material composition of each housing component can impact not only the sound produced but also the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether opting for a sharper sound with the Foggy Shadow or a deeper sound with the Piano Pro, users can select the switch that best suits their preferences based on the housing materials utilized.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences in terms of weight. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial pressure needed to register a keystroke, while its bottom out force of 63.5 grams is medium-heavy, requiring more force to fully press the key. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Foggy Shadow, but still considered medium-light. Its bottom out force of 55 grams is also lighter than that of the Foggy Shadow. Overall, the Foggy Shadow provides a heavier typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter touch, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preferences, with the Foggy Shadow being heavier and the V3 Piano Pro being lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. With both switches having an equal travel distance, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of keypress feel and distance traveled. This makes them suitable options for those who prefer a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro provides a clacky and resonant sound, featuring a sharp and snappy tone with a higher pitch for a more immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow leaning towards a more balanced and versatile sound, while the V3 Piano Pro delivers a lively and crisp sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile experience is not explicitly described, leaving an element of mystery around the switch's key feel. In comparison, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is known for providing a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. This range of descriptors suggests that the Piano Pro switch offers a dynamic and smooth typing feel, combining elasticity, smoothness, and reduced friction for a luxurious typing experience. While the feel of the Foggy Shadow remains a bit of a mystery, the Akko V3 Piano Pro clearly prioritizes a tactile response that is springy, buttery, and refined for a premium typing sensation.
Taking into account the information provided, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow excels in providing a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, emphasizing a balanced and versatile auditory experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro boasts a clacky and resonant sound that adds a lively and immersive quality to each keystroke. In terms of feel, while the Foggy Shadow's tactile experience remains ambiguous, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, offering a blend of elasticity, smoothness, and refinement for a luxurious keypress. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing users with a diverse selection of sound and feel options to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a snappy, clacky sound signature and a resonant sound profile, the V3 Piano Pro could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for. So, consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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