Gateron Aliaz vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience but cater to different preferences. The Aliaz is ideal for quiet environments such as an office setting, with its silent design and medium-heavy weight providing a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, featuring a lower actuation and bottom-out force for a more approachable typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics like a deep sound profile for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and a polished feel for the Aliaz. 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
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. This results in a visually appealing and customizable experience for users who enjoy adding lighting effects to their keyboards.
Despite both switches using polycarbonate for their housing materials, the Aliaz and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches may have different designs or configurations that affect how the material's qualities are experienced. For example, the bottom housing of a switch has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the specific design and construction of each switch may result in subtle differences in the overall typing experience, even though they share the same housing material.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron Aliaz or Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, you can expect to enjoy a similar sound profile and typing experience. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their housings, which imparts a distinct sound and feel to the keystrokes. The use of this material not only enhances the acoustics of the switches but also offers a visually appealing option for users who appreciate RGB lighting effects. While there may be subtle differences in how the housing material is utilized in each switch's design, the overall performance and aesthetic benefits of polycarbonate remain consistent between the two options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we see some notable differences. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Shadow's lighter 48 grams. Similarly, the Aliaz has a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Shadow only requires 55 grams to bottom out. The heavier forces of the Aliaz provide a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the lighter forces of the Shadow make it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Both switches deliver tactile feedback, but the differences in force might make one more appealing than the other based on personal preference. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on whether a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force is desired for the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel when pressed. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, they may offer different tactile feedback and actuation points, which can impact the overall typing feel. However, in terms of the actual distance the keys travel, both switches provide a consistent 4 mm of travel. This allows users to enjoy a comfortable typing experience with either switch, knowing that they will get the same amount of key travel with each press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its muted characteristics, creating a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, adding a unique auditory dimension to the typing experience. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a quieter or more pronounced sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is praised for its silky and polished attributes, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and lively feedback sensation that gives users a sense of rebound when pressing the keys. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother and polished typing experience or a bouncier and more elastic feel, your choice between the two switches would vary.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz is tailored for a quiet typing environment with a medium-heavy weight and substantial feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a approachable tactility and deep sound profile with a lower actuation and bottom-out force. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a substantial feel or a more tactile and lively typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard and your preference for typing feedback. If you value a substantial feel to each keystroke and require a quieter switch for office use, the Aliaz may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lower actuation force and a more approachable tactility with a deep sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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