Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, there are clear differences to consider. The Matcha Green Pro switches offer a smooth and substantial feel, perfect for those who enjoy a solid and responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Shadow Double Spring switches provide a medium-high level of tactility with deep thocks and a two-staged spring design. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer the sharp bottom-out of the Matcha Greens or the deep tactility of the Shadow switches. 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
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that use RGB lighting. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience.
While the top housing material of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the same, the bottom housing varies between the two switches. The qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound and feel differently depending on where they are located. Pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials can contribute to a unique typing experience for each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a balance between sharp, high-pitched sound and deeper, fuller tones. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's all-polycarbonate housing provides a consistently sharp and crisp sound profile. Whether one prefers a more resonant and clear sound or a softer, fuller typing experience, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, both have identical actuation forces of 55 grams and bottom out forces of 63 grams, making them medium-weight switches. This means that users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and fully press down on the switch. The lighter actuation force and bottom out force of these switches make them ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may become a concern. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for switches with heavier forces. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces in these switches caters to the individual preferences and needs of users, providing them with options that can enhance their typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro being slightly on the shorter side and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring having a slightly longer distance. Gamers may prefer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more tactile feel may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its longer travel distance for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is best described as clacky and resonant, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile that resonates with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is also clacky but noted for its high-pitched sound, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Both switches deliver satisfying sound feedback, with the Matcha Green Pro offering a slightly higher-pitched resonance compared to the deeper thocks of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is characterized by its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. These qualities make it feel spring-like, smooth, refined, and exceptionally smooth when typing, providing a lively and rebounding feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, offering a tactile feedback intensity with a distinct tactile bump and responsive keypresses that feel alive and responsive. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences, with the Matcha Green Pro feeling more fluid and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offering a more intense and distinct tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a more resonant and bouncy typing experience with a slightly higher-pitched sound profile, the Matcha Green Pro switch is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more tactile typing experience with a deeper thock sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style, as both switches offer distinct and gratifying qualities that enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a switch with a smooth and substantial feel that provides clear tactile feedback, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch would be an excellent choice. The Matcha Green Pro switches offer a sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, appealing to those who appreciate a solid keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a higher level of tactility and a deep, resonating sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the way to go. With its long, two-staged spring design, you can expect a medium-high level of tactility, sharp clacks, and a lively typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should be based on your preference for either a smooth linear switch or a tactile switch with a strong feedback sensation.
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