Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Aqua King is renowned for its incredibly smooth and frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. This linear switch provides a typing experience that feels almost magical, making it ideal for those who prefer a subdued and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its unique two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches produces deep and resonating thocks, adding a satisfying element to each keystroke. With its clacky and sharp characteristics, this switch is perfect for those who appreciate a high-pitched and snappy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This means that they share similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is mainly because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
While both keyboards utilize polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be divided between the top and bottom. When pressing down on either the Aqua King or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound that is produced when you release a key. It is crucial to consider these differences when selecting a keyboard as they can affect the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring keyboards share the same housing material for both the top and bottom. This polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing plays a more significant role during key press, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. These distinctions should be taken into consideration when making a decision between the two keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are a few key differences. The Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Aqua King at 62 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring at 63 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King would be the better choice, as its lower actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Despite their differences, both switches fall within the medium range for both actuation force and bottom out force. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and responsiveness, regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, the decision between the Aqua King and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will come down to individual preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent tactile feedback and sensation when pressed down. Regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect a satisfying and precise keystroke experience with a travel distance that allows for comfortable typing or gaming. Therefore, the results achieved from both switches will be similar, providing a smooth and responsive input for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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.
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 Everglide Aqua King linear switch provides a subdued experience. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp, snappy sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King switch offers a range of descriptors that all point towards a smooth and frictionless typing experience. It is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These qualities indicate that the Aqua King provides a buttery, effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance or friction. It offers a fluid travel and creates a sleek typing experience.
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, on the other hand, is characterized by descriptors such as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. These qualities indicate that the switch has a high level of tactility with a strong and crisp tactile bump. It is responsive and provides a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the stepped characteristic suggests that there may be some noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations during typing.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a higher level of tactility with a clacky and high-pitched sound. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between a more silent and frictionless experience or a more tactile and audible typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. It offers a medium bottom out force and is best known for its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel. You can expect your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, creating a magical typing experience. In terms of sound, the Aqua King is described as subdued, providing a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the way to go. It also has a medium bottom out force and is best known for its sharp, accented, and snappy feel. You can expect a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. In terms of sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound that can be described as bright and percussive.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a more subdued sound, the Aqua King is the switch for you. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a strong tactile bump and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the better choice. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
