Gateron Beer vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features for different preferences. The Gateron Beer stands out with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, providing a refreshing and lightweight typing experience with a stepped tactility and characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, resulting in a bouncy feel and a deep, thocky sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons for choosing them, whether it be for their tactile feedback, sound signature, or ease of use. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. This commonality means that users can expect similar characteristics in terms of sound profile, stiffness, and overall aesthetics. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, making them ideal for those who prioritize a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting options, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches.
While both switches share the same housing material, it is important to note that the qualities of polycarbonate are divided between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, offering a slightly different typing sensation. Despite these slight variations, users can expect a consistent level of quality and performance from both the Gateron Beer and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches due to their shared use of polycarbonate material.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches both benefit from the unique properties of polycarbonate housing materials. These switches deliver a sharp, crisp sound profile and enhanced aesthetics thanks to the translucency of polycarbonate. Whether it's the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key affected by the top housing, users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Overall, the similarities in housing materials between the two switches provide a consistent level of quality and performance for those seeking a premium typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch. The Beer requires 38 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Shadow (Ink) requires 48 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, both falling on the lighter side of the force spectrum. This difference in force may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter feel of the Beer for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Shadow (Ink) for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer offers a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for fast key presses. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by users looking for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
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) 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is not specified, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance and requiring little force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, its stepped tactility provides a subtler and more gradual tactile feedback compared to other switches. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation when pressed. This gives the keys a lively feel and provides a sense of rebound.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a clacky sound profile and easy-to-press, stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a medium level of tactility and a bouncy feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch could be a good option. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a light bottom out force, easy-to-press feel, and a distinctive clacky sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, a bouncy feel, and a deep thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should take into account your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that best fits your needs.
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