Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Bamboo Green switch is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. It falls into the categories of being stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a medium-high level of tactility, with a long, two-staged spring that provides a satisfying typing experience. It produces deep, resonating thocks when typing and is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. While these general descriptions can help in making an initial choice, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to better decide which one would be the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
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 Bamboo Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top and bottom housing, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those planning to use RGB lighting.
In terms of performance, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of each switch plays a significant role. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will contribute to a sharper and more resonant bottom-out experience, while the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green will result in a neutral bottom-out sound. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing becomes more influential in determining the sound produced. The polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a crisper sound upon key release, while the PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green offers a more neutral sound.
Despite their differences, the Bamboo Green and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may yield similar results in terms of overall housing performance. Both switches utilize PBT in their top and bottom housings, albeit with different results. This means that users can expect a relatively neutral sound profile for both switches when pressed down or released. However, it is worth noting that the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will likely provide a sharper and crisper sound experience throughout, making it a potential choice for those seeking a more distinct auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Bamboo Green requires a lighter force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring exerts a slightly heavier force of 55 grams. This means that for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bamboo Green would be the more suitable option.
Moving on to the bottom out force, both switches have a similar bottom out force. The Bamboo Green has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a bottom out force of 63 grams. This indicates that the typing experience at the point of pressing all the way down would feel almost identical for both switches. Therefore, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel may find both switches equally satisfying in this regard.
Consideration of weight is crucial, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. For users who prefer a lighter switch, the Bamboo Green's actuation force of 43 grams makes it an ideal choice, allowing for extended typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's actuation force of 55 grams provides a stronger push feel, appealing to individuals seeking a more robust typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have differing actuation forces, with the former being lighter and the latter being heavier. However, their bottom out forces are nearly identical, resulting in a similar typing experience when fully pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback, making them suitable for those who prefer a specific travel distance. Whether you choose the Everglide Bamboo Green or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect a reliable and comfortable typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 Bamboo Green switches are best described as high-pitched and resonant. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are known for their clacky sound signature. When typing on these switches, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer a high-pitched sound profile, giving users a sharp and crisp sound when typing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches offer a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience. The stepped feel refers to a switch with two stages, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. The accented tactile experience is described as medium tactile, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The sharp tactile bump provides high feedback intensity, allowing users to feel a distinct bump with each keystroke. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches also offer a sharp and accented tactile experience. The sharp tactile bump provides a high feedback intensity and a distinct bump with every keypress. The switches are also described as snappy, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. Moreover, these switches have a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback when pressed. Similar to the Bamboo Green switches, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer a stepped tactile feel, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations.
Taking all the available information into account, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer different but equally satisfying tactile experiences. The Bamboo Green switches provide a clacky sound with a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer a clacky sound with a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. While the sound and feel may differ slightly, users can expect similar results in terms of overall enjoyment and tactility from both switch options.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring fit the bill. However, the Bamboo Green is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a medium-high level of tactility and deep thocks when typing.
In terms of sound, the Bamboo Green has a high-pitched and resonant profile, which provides a sharp and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed.
When it comes to the feel, the Bamboo Green is characterized as having a stepped and accented tactile sensation, meaning it has a mild bump with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it offers a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a sharp and accented tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. It is also described as snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring depends on your preferences. If you enjoy a clacky sound signature, crisp tactility, and a polished typing experience, the Bamboo Green may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, deep thocks, and a responsive and lively feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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