Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that both offer unique features suited for different preferences. The Shadow switch is ideal for those looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, providing deep, resonating thocks for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch is tailored for gamers, offering smooth keystrokes, a pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for optimal gaming performance. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Akko V3 Silver Pro are quite similar as both switches feature polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. It also allows for better light transmission, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the V3 Silver Pro features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches using this material.
While the top housing of both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Akko V3 Silver Pro is made of polycarbonate, the bottom housing is where they diverge. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to its clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the switch's sound with a deeper and fuller tone. This difference in bottom housing material can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches, as the bottom housing plays a key role in the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press.
Overall, while both switches have polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharp and crisp sound profile, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its polycarbonate bottom housing offers a more clear and resonant sound profile, whereas the Akko V3 Silver Pro with its nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on the sound and feel of mechanical switches can help users choose the switch that best aligns with their preferences for typing or gaming.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro with its shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, especially favored by gamers. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the shorter distance of the V3 Silver Pro delivering a more responsive feel compared to the deeper travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is often described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp and bright profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is also noted for its high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Shadow switch may provide a deeper and more resonant typing sound, while the V3 Silver Pro switch offers a lighter and potentially more subtle tone.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped characteristics, providing a strong tactile bump with each keypress and a responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. While the Shadow switch may give a more pronounced and tactile feedback, the V3 Silver Pro switch ensures a comfortable and effortless typing feel.
Considering all available information, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch cater to different preferences and needs. If you prefer a tactile switch with medium-high tactility and a deep typing sound, the Shadow switch may be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you are looking for a linear switch designed for gaming with a light actuation force and smooth typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, providing a variety of options depending on your sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy the deep, resonating thock sound while typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking a switch specifically designed for gaming with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of tactility, sound, and overall typing experience. Consider your needs and preferences carefully before making your choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches.
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