Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its incredibly smooth and frictionless feel. Typing on these switches is akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice, resulting in a truly magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch that offers a medium level of tactility. If you prefer a switch with a slightly more noticeable tactile bump, the Shadow (Ink) is a great choice. Additionally, these switches have a lower actuation and bottom-out force, making them approachable and comfortable to use. Furthermore, they produce a satisfying deep and thocky sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for using RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
While the housing materials may be the same for both switches, it is worth noting that the distribution of their qualities differs. The Everglide Aqua King distributes the qualities of the polycarbonate housing material between the top and bottom of the switch. As a result, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel when the key is bottomed out, while the top housing affects the sound produced when the key is released. Conversely, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring also utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, but the specific impact of each housing on the typing experience is not elaborated upon.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring benefit from the use of polycarbonate for their housing materials. This shared choice results in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, high pitch, and crispness. Additionally, their translucent polycarbonate top housings allow users to further enhance their typing experience with captivating RGB lighting effects. However, while the Aqua King splits the qualities of the housing material between its top and bottom, it remains unclear how the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring precisely distributes these characteristics throughout its design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Aqua King has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires a heavier 62 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 55 grams, making it slightly heavier in this aspect.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Aqua King's actuation force may be more suitable, allowing for extended typing periods and comfortable gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, as its slightly higher actuation force provides a bit more resistance.
It is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium and medium-light range, respectively, and thus offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the user will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results to the user.
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) 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
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King switch is known for its subdued sound, which means it produces a dampened sound when pressed. It offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as having a deep and thocky sound profile. This means that it has a rich and resonant sound when typing. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It provides a fluid and effortless travel that can be likened to gliding your fingers across the keys. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This means that the keys have a lively feel and offer rebound when pressed.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Aqua King and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a subdued sound and a creamy, frictionless, silky, or polished feel, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a deep and thocky sound along with a bouncy feel. If you prefer a more subtle and smooth typing experience, the Aqua King switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a lively feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would be a better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. With its fluid travel and ice skating-like feel, you'll enjoy a magical typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is a great choice. It offers a medium level of tactility and a bouncy, elastic feedback sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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