Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Bamboo Green switch is renowned for its clacky sound signature and sparkling tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility and a lower actuation and bottom-out force, making it more approachable for users. Additionally, it boasts a deep and thocky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches significantly differ in terms of sound profile. The Bamboo Green features PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) top and bottom housings, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Therefore, if sound profile is a crucial factor for you, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its polycarbonate housing would be a better choice.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials also differ between the two switches. The Bamboo Green's PBT housing is not translucent, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate housing is clear. This makes the Shadow (Ink) Switch particularly useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion and a visually appealing illuminated effect. Conversely, the Bamboo Green's solid PBT housing may not showcase RGB lighting as effectively. Thus, if you prioritize aesthetics and intend to utilize RGB lighting, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate housing would be more suitable.
However, it is worth noting that while the top and bottom housings differ for these switches, when pressed down, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the housing materials differ, the overall typing experience and results may still be similar between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches due to the shared qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are some notable differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Bamboo Green is slightly lighter than the Shadow, with an actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Shadow's 48 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bamboo Green is heavier, requiring 62 grams of force compared to the Shadow's 55 grams.
In terms of preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Bamboo Green switch as it requires less force to actuate. This can be beneficial for long typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Shadow switch. The slight increase in actuation force in the Shadow can provide a more satisfying feedback when typing.
It is important to note that both switches fall under the medium range in terms of actuation force. However, the Bamboo Green leans towards the lighter side, while the Shadow leans towards the heavier side. Therefore, depending on individual preferences, one can choose accordingly. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that both switches provide a medium level of bottom out force, which means that they offer a similar level of resistance when fully pressed down.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is slightly heavier in actuation force but lighter in bottom out force. Both switches offer a medium-level typing experience, but the choice between them ultimately depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is identical, both measuring 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a specific travel distance, both the Bamboo Green and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring will provide you with similar results.
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) 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 comparing the sound of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we find notable differences. The Bamboo Green switch is best known for its clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch features a deep and thocky sound profile. This indicates that the Bamboo Green switch has a higher-pitched and resonant sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a more bassy and immersive auditory experience. However, it is essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green is characterized as a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished switch. Stepped switches provide a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, offering a more moderate tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. The accented nature of the Bamboo Green switch indicates a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Its sharp tactile bump provides strong and crisp feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, the switch's polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, giving a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This bouncy characteristic provides keys with a lively feel and rebound when pressed.
Considering the available information, we can conclude that the Everglide Bamboo Green and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Bamboo Green switch is well-regarded for its clacky sound signature and sharp tactility, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound and prominent tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a medium level of tactility with a deep and thocky sound profile, appealing to those who desire a more bassy and immersive auditory experience. While these qualities set them apart, if you are looking for a similar level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch could be a suitable alternative. However, personal preference, keyboard board, and keycaps will all impact the overall experience, making it essential to consider these factors when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, if you enjoy a clacky sound signature and a crisp tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, it offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is an excellent option. It provides a medium-level of tactility and features a deep and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it is worth considering what aspects are most important to you in order to make the best decision.
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