Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro, a linear switch, to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch, it's important to consider their unique characteristics. The V3 Piano Pro is renowned for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a moderate level of tactility with lower actuation and bottom-out force, resulting in a gentle yet satisfying typing sensation. While the Piano Pro is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is simply categorized as 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences, but 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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 Piano Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic properties. Despite these differences in sound characteristics, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro may not offer the same visual effect but still delivers a satisfying typing experience with its deeper sound profile. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches cater to different preferences based on their housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may come down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. While the nylon and polycarbonate housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, both switches are designed to provide a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prioritize a rounder, duller sound or a more resonant, clear sound, each switch offers its own unique characteristics based on the materials used in their housing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may depend on individual typing preferences and desired visual effects.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both fall under the category of medium-light switches when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that both switches have a similar bottom out force, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of the force required to fully press the key. However, the V3 Piano Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. This makes the V3 Piano Pro more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experiences. The V3 Piano Pro will offer a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it more preferred by gamers looking for fast actions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for speed and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is best described as producing a clacky and resonant sound signature, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch features a deep and thocky sound profile, though more specifics are unknown. When it comes to feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, providing a lively feel with smooth and refined key travel. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is also described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation, but further details are not available.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer different sound and feel qualities, catering to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the V3 Piano Pro switch emphasizes a snappy sound signature and a smooth tactile experience with a range of descriptors, the specifics of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) switch's sound and feel characteristics are not fully detailed. Depending on your preference for auditory feedback and key feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, although the specifics of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) switch are yet to be fully explored. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches on different boards and keycaps will allow you to determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a snappy and lively sound signature along with a smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with approachable tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is the way to go. Both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them suitable for users who prefer a medium-light typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or tactility in your mechanical keyboard switches. Happy typing!
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