Kailh Box Navy vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for different preferences are the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Box Navy is ideal for those who crave a heavy typing experience and appreciate the satisfying sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch. These switches are reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, offering a resounding and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect for those in search of a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility. The long, two-staged spring in this Shadow switch variant provides a deep and resonating thock with each keystroke. Whether you prefer the clacky and high-pitched feel of the Box Navy or the sharp and bouncy sensation of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both switches offer unique characteristics that can elevate your typing experience. However, 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
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This means that they share similar characteristics when it comes to sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which makes it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who wish to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a more visually appealing keyboard setup. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ in their materials. The Box Navy utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring uses polycarbonate. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. This means that the Box Navy may provide a slightly duller and rounder sound on the bottom-out compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's crisper sound. So, depending on the desired typing experience, users may lean towards either switch based on their preference for a deeper or clearer sound.
Overall, the top housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound and aesthetics. However, the bottom housing materials play a role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The Box Navy's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound. Therefore, users can choose between the two switches based on their preference for a deeper or crisper typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's lighter actuation force of 55 grams. Similarly, the Box Navy has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a relatively lighter bottom out force of 63 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be a suitable choice with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This would allow for longer typing periods without significant finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Box Navy offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and want a more tactile feedback from their keystrokes.
It is important to note that both switches provide satisfying results, but the Box Navy leans towards a heavier and more forceful typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a somewhat lighter touch. Depending on personal preferences and intended use, either of these switches can be a suitable choice to enhance typing efficiency and overall keyboard performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. These distances represent the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, giving users a tactile feel when pressing down on a key. Traditionally, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered standard, while 3.0 mm is considered shallower. However, with the increasing demand for faster response times, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers. Opting for the shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel, the switch with the longer travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of sound, the Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp quality. The sound of the Box Navy switch resembles the experience of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, higher-pitched switches like the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be a suitable choice.
Moving on to feel, both switches provide a sharp tactile bump that offers high feedback intensity. The tactile bump of the Box Navy and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches is distinct and can be felt with each keypress. Additionally, the Box Navy switch is described as invigorating and stiff. It offers a moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is also sharp and offers a snappy typing experience with longer or dual-staged springs. These switches have an accented tactility that is prominent without being overwhelming or subtle. They also provide a bouncy and stepped feel, with a lively and elastic feedback sensation.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have different sound profiles and feels. The Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound with a sharp and crisp tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound and offers a sharp and snappy tactile experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you enjoy the qualities mentioned for one switch, you can expect similar results with the other switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. The Box Navy switches provide a resonant and crunchy sound profile, accompanied by a sharp and invigorating feel with a distinctive tactile bump. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are the ideal choice. These switches offer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. The Shadow switches provide a sharp and accented feel, with snappy and bouncy characteristics. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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