Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a medium-high level of tactility with its two-staged spring, leading to deep and resonating thocks while typing. While the Lavender Purple Pro is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped'. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being stiffer, leading to a more resonant sound. Additionally, both keyboards benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, while they both share these similarities, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring keyboards results in a variance in sound profiles when typing. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of a keyboard.
Overall, the combination of housing materials used in each keyboard plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing on the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The split between the top and bottom housing materials dictates the sound profile when pressing down and letting go of a key. While both keyboards benefit from the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate in the top housing, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out for its nylon bottom housing, which adds a deeper and fuller sound dimension to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the overall typing experience and sound aesthetics of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. This makes the V3 Lavender Purple Pro the lighter option in terms of force required for typing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a slightly more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium-light to medium range of force required, making them suitable for users who prefer a balance between light and heavy actuation forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The comparison between the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch shows that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.2 mm might not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster input. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double 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) Double 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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are described as producing a higher-pitched sound profile that contributes to a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are known for their deep, resonating thocks when typing and are described as clacky and high-pitched. Both switches offer different sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a sharper sound and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring providing a more resonant and percussive sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These switches provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, with a lively feel and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. These switches offer a high level of tactility with a distinct and crisp tactile bump, along with a spring-like feedback sensation and a mild two-stage keystroke feel.
Overall, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on whether you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile with medium tactility or a clacky sound profile with high tactility, you can achieve similar results with either switch based on your personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a medium-high level of tactility, along with a clacky and sharp sound profile, then the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would better suit your typing preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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