Gateron Beer vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer is known for its translucent green design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a refreshingly lightweight tactile experience with a stepped tactility that provides a subtle feel and a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is praised for its medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring, which results in deep, resonating thocks while typing. Both switches fall under the 'Clacky' category, but the Beer switch is more 'Easy-to-press' while the Shadow switch is described as 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped'. 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
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which means they will deliver similar results in terms of sound profile, stiffness, and clarity. The use of polycarbonate in housing material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Overall, users can expect a consistent and resonant sound experience regardless of whether they choose the Gateron Beer or Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate material for their top and bottom housings, the way in which these materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches may differ. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This means that the stiffness and clarity of the polycarbonate material in the bottom housing will have a direct impact on the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing of a switch influences the sound when releasing a key, emphasizing the importance of both components working together harmoniously to create a satisfying typing experience.
Despite the similarities in housing material between the Gateron Beer and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, the nuances in how the top and bottom housings interact can result in slightly different typing experiences. Users may notice variations in the sound profile and feel of each switch based on whether they prefer a more pronounced bottom-out sound or a sharper release sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both provide a high-quality typing experience with the use of polycarbonate housing material.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. The Beer also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a heavier bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the Beer switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer offers a quicker response time, making it suitable for gamers who require fast movements and key presses. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a deeper key press, which some may find more satisfying for typing or general use. Both switches offer their own advantages based on personal preferences, with the shorter travel distance of the Beer catering to those who prioritize speed, while the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring appeals to those who prefer a fuller key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference in terms of travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as producing a clacky sound when pressed. This means that users can expect a sharp, snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive in nature. However, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch also has the added quality of being high-pitched, meaning it will produce a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Beer switch. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Beer switch is known for being easy-to-press and having a stepped tactility. This means that users will experience gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate the switch. The stepped tactility provides a more subtle tactile feedback compared to switches with a continuous curve. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and also having a stepped feel. These qualities indicate a high level of feedback intensity, a medium level of tactility, responsiveness, a lively feel, and a distinctive two-stage tactile response.
In conclusion, while both switches offer a clacky sound signature, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switch offers a gentler and easier key press with a stepped tactility, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch delivers a sharper, more accented, and bouncier tactile experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users may lean towards one switch over the other. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light tactile switch with a unique aesthetic appeal and a clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility with deep thocks, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style and needs when choosing between these two tactile switches to ensure an optimal typing experience.
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