Kailh Berry vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Kailh Berry and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. If you prefer a linear switch, the Berry is an excellent choice. It offers a hefty typing experience with a springy feel, and its chalk-like texture adds a unique touch. The Berry also has a deep sound profile, characterized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, if you lean towards a tactile switch, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the way to go. This variant features a long, two-staged spring, providing a medium-high level of tactility. Typing on these Shadow switches produces deep, resonating thocks, creating a satisfying clacky sound. The Shadow switch is categorized as high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, but, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice provides a similar result for both switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is appreciated for its stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and enhance the visual appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Berry switches use nylon while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches employ polycarbonate. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate used in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of the top housing.
When comparing the overall impact of the housing materials, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. So, in the case of the Berry switches, the nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound during key presses. On the other hand, for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, the polycarbonate bottom housing will enhance the sharper and crisper sound when keys are pressed.
In conclusion, while both the Kailh Berry and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing. This results in distinct sound profiles, with the Berry switches showcasing a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon bottom housing and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches delivering a sharper and crisper sound with the polycarbonate bottom housing. However, the shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures the switches still exhibit similar sound characteristics in that regard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are clear differences in their weight considerations. The Berry switch has an actuation force that is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, its bottom out force of 70 grams qualifies it as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch presents an actuation force of 55 grams, making it lighter than the Berry switch. Furthermore, its bottom out force is 63 grams, which falls in the medium range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be a suitable choice, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This is beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods of time or engage in long gaming sessions, allowing them to do so comfortably. However, for users who desire a more substantial and deliberate typing sensation, the Berry switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force would be a better option.
Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches cater to different preferences. While the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a lighter touch, the Berry switch provides a slightly heavier and more robust typing experience. This means that individuals can choose based on their specific needs and typing preferences. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise reliable performance and efficient keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there is a slight difference. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these distances are shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance and offer a more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you value a quick and snappy typing experience, the Berry with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feeling when typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its longer travel distance may be preferred. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers the slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. With a more mellow and deep tone, typing on these switches produces a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. This switch variant delivers a crisp and percussive sound when pressed, which some users may prefer for its bright and sharp characteristics. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch provides a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture. It offers a textured feel, meaning that users will experience noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This can be appreciated by those who prefer a switch with a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers several descriptors for its feel. It has a sharp and accented tactile bump, providing a distinct feedback intensity with each keypress. Additionally, it is described as snappy and bouncy, giving it a super responsive and spring-like feel. Moreover, the Shadow switch can be considered stepped, as it offers a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch provides a springy and textured experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow switch delivers a sharp and clacky sound with a high-pitched tone, while also offering a tactile feel with an accented and snappy bump. These switches cater to different preferences, with the Berry switch offering a more mellow and textured typing experience, and the Shadow switch providing a crisper and bouncier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Berry linear switch or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some key factors to consider.
If you prioritize a hefty typing experience and a springy type feel, the Berry switch is a great choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams provides a satisfying keypress. Additionally, the chalk-like texture when typing on these switches adds to the overall typing experience. In terms of sound, the Berry switch offers a low-pitched and bassy profile, which is characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with medium-high tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the switch for you. With its long, two-staged spring, it provides a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keystroke. Moreover, the sound profile of the Shadow switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound during key presses.
Ultimately, your decision between the Berry switch and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prioritize a springy and textured typing experience or a tactile switch with a prominent amount of tactility and a clacky sound. By understanding these differences, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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