HMX Blue Topaz vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch. The Blue Topaz stands out for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a seamless typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the Shadow Double Spring offers a medium-high level of tactility with deep thocks and a unique two-staged spring design. While the Blue Topaz is easy-to-press and clacky, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound upon typing.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and feel. While the Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material directly impacts the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing material will play a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of having the right combination of housing materials for the desired typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, particularly their top housings, share similarities in terms of creating a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. However, the choice of bottom housing material sets these switches apart, with the Blue Topaz offering a deeper sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on that particular switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch differ in weight. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. If both forces are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Topaz being on the shallower end and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offering a slightly deeper press. Gamers may prefer the Blue Topaz for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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, the Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy noise that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch also produces a clacky sound, but with the added descriptor of being high-pitched, delivering a sharper and more crisp sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, users may find the Blue Topaz to have a slightly softer and less sharp sound compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a sharp and accented tactile feedback, with a snappy and bouncy sensation that gives each keypress a lively feel. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch also features a stepped feel, offering a tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages.
Overall, both the Blue Topaz linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz provides a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a clacky sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a medium-high level of tactility with deep thocks and an accented tactile bump. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the smoother actuation of the Blue Topaz or the pronounced tactile feedback of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Blue Topaz if you prefer a super smooth actuation, lightweight feel, and a visually striking design with a clacky sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who want an easy-to-press typing experience that is both effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring if you desire a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, highlighted by a long, two-staged spring for increased feedback intensity. This switch offers deep, resonating thocks when typing and a variety of tactile sensations such as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on your preference for actuation force, typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
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