Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro is known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion offers a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, creating a comfortable medium-light typing feel. While the V3 Piano Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Windy Shadow is classified as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. These general descriptions give an overview of what each switch has to offer, 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
N/A
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
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer distinct advantages and characteristics. The V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and resonant sound. While the V3 Piano Pro's nylon bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, the Windy Shadow opts for a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon material.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow provide exceptional sound experiences. The V3 Piano Pro's nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a consistent deep and fuller sound profile throughout typing. Similarly, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing ensures a similar sound experience to the V3 Piano Pro, maintaining a duller and rounder sound. However, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience compared to the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is evident that each material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch. The split qualities of the housing materials divide the impact of sound between key presses and releases. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches prioritize delivering a satisfying typing experience, whether it be through a deeper and fuller sound profile (V3 Piano Pro) or a sharper and crisper sound profile (Windy Shadow).
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both fall into the medium-light category when it comes to actuation force, with the V3 Piano Pro requiring 45 grams and the Windy Shadow having a force that is not specified. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 55 grams. In terms of weight, the V3 Piano Pro is the lighter option, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow, with an unknown actuation force, may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of bottom out force, providing a comfortable typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feeling when pressing down on the keys for both switches. The travel distance for both switches is relatively short compared to other switches on the market, making them ideal for quick and responsive typing or gaming experiences. This also means that users won't have to press down too far before actuation, leading to faster response times. In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer the same travel distance, providing users with consistent and reliable typing experiences.
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 Windy 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 Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving off a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing scenarios. Overall, while the V3 Piano Pro is more lively and crisp in sound, the Windy Shadow provides a more neutral and comfortable auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is recognized for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky tactile sensations, offering a lively, smooth, and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience, characterized by a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Although the V3 Piano Pro offers a more dynamic and luxurious typing feel, the Windy Shadow provides a more subtle and gentle tactile feedback.
In conclusion, when comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that they offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Piano Pro excels in providing a lively and sharp sound with a bouncy and silky feel, while the Windy Shadow offers a more neutral and mild sound profile with a gentle typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can opt for either switch to achieve different typing sensations, knowing that both switches will deliver satisfactory results in their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a snappy sound signature with smooth actuation and a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke, the V3 Piano Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce and a comfortable 55g bottom-out force, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be more to your liking. Additionally, if you enjoy switches that offer a bouncy, creamy, or polished typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro provides these sensations, whereas the Windy Shadow offers a mild and gentle typing experience suitable for most users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force.
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