Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a linear switch, stand out as compelling options for different reasons. The Aflion Foggy Shadow brings a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, offering smooth keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, along with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick response times. While both switches have their strengths, such as the Foggy Shadow's medium weight and the V3 Silver Pro's gamer-friendly features, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific qualities to determine the best fit for your typing or gaming needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 double-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Akko V3 Silver Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. The similarity in top housing material between the two switches means that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when typing on either keyboard.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Foggy Shadow boasts a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Foggy Shadow. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback when compared to the Foggy Shadow.
In the end, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Akko V3 Silver Pro may come down to personal preference in terms of the sound profile and typing feel. While both switches offer similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, the subtle differences in their nylon bottom housings may have an impact on the overall typing experience for users who prioritize sound and tactile feedback. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound may influence their decision between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the V3 Silver Pro is lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is unknown, while the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the V3 Silver Pro would be the better option. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may find the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow more satisfying. Each switch offers a unique typing experience based on their force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Foggy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly deeper feel when typing compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance for your typing experience.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile suitable for various environments and user preferences. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro features high-pitched switches that produce a sharp and crisp sound, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced and distinct auditory feedback while typing. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used, ultimately shaping the overall acoustic experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump offers a unique typing experience that is not elaborated on in the provided information. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is known for its easy-to-press nature, characterized by a light actuation force and smooth key travel. Additionally, these switches are described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, indicative of a seamless and comfortable typing sensation that minimizes finger fatigue and enhances overall typing efficiency.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations tailored to different user preferences. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a low-pitched and neutral sound, the V3 Silver Pro stands out with its high-pitched crisp sound. In terms of feel, the Foggy Shadow's unique tactile bump contrasts with the Akko V3 Silver Pro's easy-to-press and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy keypress with a low-pitched sound and a neutral feel, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light keypress with a high-pitched sound and various feel options like easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, or silky, the V3 Silver Pro might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing or gaming experience.
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