Keygeek Briny vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Keygeek Briny and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that many typists appreciate for its smoothness and linearity, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet and uninterrupted keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a tactile sensation with its medium-high level of tactility and a unique long, two-staged spring design, resulting in deep, resonating thocks that can enhance your typing enjoyment and provide satisfying feedback. While the Briny’s subtlety might appeal to gamers or those desiring a more streamlined experience, the Shadow switch’s pronounced tactility suits users who enjoy a more expressive typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Keygeek Briny and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, we can see a notable distinction in the materials used for their housings. The Briny utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is a classic material in the world of mechanical switches. This choice contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, attributed to nylon's softer composition. Its ability to absorb sound leads to a duller, more rounded auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, a material known for its rigidity. This stiffness results in a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, enhancing clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it particularly advantageous for those who wish to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to pass through more effectively and creates a visually striking effect.
Although the Briny and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in their housing materials, both switches share a fundamental mechanism that contributes to the overall typing experience. The nylon used in the Briny provides a sound that feels more muted while enhancing the tactile feedback prominent during typing. Conversely, the Shadow's polycarbonate housing accentuates the sound quality, making it sharper and more defined. Both switches, by virtue of their construction, will yield a satisfying tactile response; however, the auditory feedback will differ significantly. Users who appreciate a pronounced auditory cue with each keystroke may gravitate towards the Shadow, while those who prefer a softer typing experience may favor the Briny.
Ultimately, even with these differing materials, both switches offer quality performance due to how their designs integrate the unique qualities of their respective housings. In instances where the top and bottom housings are constructed from different materials, such as in these two switches, the resulting sound and tactile feedback are affected by both components. The depth and roundness from the Briny's nylon will manifest during the actuation, while the sharpness of the Shadow's polycarbonate comes forward as keys are released. In both cases, users can enjoy a rich typing experience that caters to differing preferences, thereby ensuring that whether one opts for the Briny or the Shadow, a quality typing sensation is guaranteed.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we see some intriguing differences. The Briny boasts an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that while both switches fall into the medium range of force, the Briny is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink), with its heavier force, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial push feel while typing. Thus, although both switches share a medium force classification, the Briny is the lighter choice, fostering comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Briny switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) switch, with its more generous 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper feel that many users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. While both switches serve their respective user bases well, those who enjoy shorter travel distances might gravitate towards the Briny, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes may find the Shadow (Ink) to be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, which typically means a muted, smooth auditory experience devoid of high-frequency sharpness or deep resonance. This makes the Briny ideal for those who prefer a more subtle sound while typing, especially in quiet environments. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch produces a combination of clacky and high-pitched sounds, giving it a sharper, more percussive auditory character. This can be ideal for users who enjoy feedback in the form of auditory signals while typing, as the deep "thocks" resonate effectively, making for a livelier typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Briny linear switch provides an even and smooth keystroke, making it suitable for users who appreciate a consistent typing experience without tactile interruptions. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, however, is characterized by its pronounced tactile feedback with features like a sharp tactile bump and a medium-high level of tactility. This design helps create a lively typing sensation, with the dual-staged spring contributing to a bouncy and responsive feel. Users will notice a distinct tactile response, making each keystroke feel intentional and retroactively rewarding, owing to the notable feedback inherent in the switch design.
In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences, they each offer unique qualities that cater to various typing experiences. The Keygeek Briny linear switch captures a smooth, restrained sound and feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a more understated setup. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch excels with its pronounced tactile sensations and acoustic feedback, stimulating a more dynamic and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your sound preferences and tactile feedback needs, ensuring an enjoyable keyboard experience tailored to your individual tastes.
Conclusion
In closing, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel during your typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and linear switch that offers a balanced and pleasing sound profile, the Briny is an excellent choice, especially for tasks requiring consistent key presses without disruptive tactile feedback. This switch is ideal for gamers or typists who enjoy a quieter typing experience without pronounced tactile bumps. On the other hand, if you find joy in a tactile typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch will likely suit you better. Its pronounced tactile feedback, characterized by sharp and snappy sensations, not only enhances your engagement while typing but also provides a satisfying audio response with its deep thocks. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a tactile bump that is both prominent yet not overwhelmingly intense, making it a versatile option for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you seek the smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile and auditory feedback of a tactile one.
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