Kailh Box Navy vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch is a perfect fit for you. With its heftiness and resonant feel, it brings to mind the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, creating a nostalgic typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is highly recommended. It offers a lower actuation and bottom-out force, resulting in a very approachable tactility. Additionally, it showcases a deep and thocky sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a stiff plastic that enhances the overall sound profile of the switch. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, the two switches differ in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Box Navy adopts a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material. This offers a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. The choice of bottom housing material significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring allows for a nuanced typing experience. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influences the sound and feel upon pressing down the keys. On the other hand, the top housing material, both being polycarbonate, affects the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the unique qualities of each housing material, users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferred sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that there are significant differences. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, requiring more force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, providing a smoother and more effortless typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box Navy again proves to be on the heavier side with a force of 90 grams. This heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial and tactile typing feel, but may tire the fingers more quickly during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring displays a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a slightly softer and more forgiving typing experience.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions may find the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring more suitable due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. However, individuals seeking a more robust and tactile typing experience may opt for the Box Navy, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces offer a satisfyingly strong push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring falls within the average range at 4.0 mm, while the Box Navy is slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might prefer the Box Navy's shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press might lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 is best known for its heavy typing experience and the vintage sound signature and tactility reminiscent of buckling keyboards from the 80s. When typing on the Box Navy, you can expect a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, offering an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. In terms of feel, the Box Navy provides a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. It has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Furthermore, the switch is stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Overall, if you're seeking a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be an excellent choice.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a different tactile experience. If you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. It provides a lower actuation and bottom-out force, resulting in a very approachable tactility. Additionally, the switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile. While the specific descriptors for sound and feel are unknown, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the chosen keyboard and keycaps.
To summarize, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch delivers a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, accompanied by a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, and features a deep and thocky sound profile. Both switches provide distinct advantages depending on personal preferences. If you're seeking a heavy and vintage typing experience, the Box Navy is a perfect fit, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a more approachable tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your desired level of tactility, sound profile preference, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky switch and enjoy a retro sound signature, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. They offer a heavy bottom-out force of 90 grams, providing a satisfying tactile bump and a resonant, crunchy sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, we highly recommend the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring variant. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a more approachable tactility and a bouncy, spring-like feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your preference for weight, sound, and feel, allowing you to customize your typing experience to suit your personal preferences.
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