Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there are distinct differences in their performance and features. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, making it a great choice for those seeking a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is specifically designed for gamers, offering light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and efficient keystrokes. While the Shadow switch provides a deep and thocky sound profile, the Silver Pro switch produces a pleasing bassy sound. Each switch offers unique benefits depending on individual preferences and usage scenarios. 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
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the Akko V3 Silver Pro sets itself apart with a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, setting a similar foundation for sound quality, the different bottom housings of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer distinct typing experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the softer nylon bottom housing of the V3 Silver Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing sound. This difference in bottom housing material showcases how housing materials directly impact the overall typing experience of a switch.
In summary, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical keyboard switches. Both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Akko V3 Silver Pro leverage polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched sound, but differ in their bottom housing material. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing for a clearer sound profile, while the V3 Silver Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller typing experience. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help users select switches that align with their preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we see that the Shadow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Shadow requires 55 grams while the V3 Silver Pro needs 45 grams, making the Shadow slightly heavier in this aspect as well. Both switches provide a medium-light to light typing experience, with the Shadow being more towards the medium-light end. Those who prefer a slightly stronger push may lean towards the Shadow, while those who enjoy a lighter feel may prefer the V3 Silver Pro for longer typing sessions. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the key difference being the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Shadow compared to the V3 Silver Pro.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch has a longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper press and a more pronounced key feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch has a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers or individuals looking for quick response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to the preferences of users who value either depth or speed in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each press. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch is described as producing a high-pitched sound, which can be sharp and crisp when activated. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring being more bassy and the V3 Silver Pro being higher-pitched.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is characterized as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with lively keys that rebound when pressed. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses with a light actuation force that enhances typing speed and comfort. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switch is noted for its creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended usage.
Overall, both the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the V3 Silver Pro switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy tactile feel, the V3 Silver Pro switch offers a high-pitched sound and easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel for a more responsive and comfortable typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking switches with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for faster keystrokes, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider your priorities and choose accordingly for the best mechanical keyboard switch that suits your needs.
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