Jerrzi Coral vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often comes down to personal preference and typing style. On one hand, there is the Jerrzi Coral, a linear switch that offers a distinctively crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance. It falls under the categories of 'Low-pitched' and 'Silky', making every keystroke a delightful experience. On the other hand, we have the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch known for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks when typing. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped', the Shadow switch variant with its two-staged spring provides a unique typing experience. While the Coral switch offers a balanced sophistication and stellar performance, the Shadow switch excels in providing an enhanced tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in their bottom housing material. The Coral utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This contrast in bottom housing materials directly impacts the typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
In terms of the top housing material, both the Jerrzi Coral and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilize polycarbonate. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, as polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. Despite this similarity in top housing material, the differences in bottom housing material will still contribute to distinct typing experiences between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches. While both the Jerrzi Coral and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the differentiation in their bottom housing materials - nylon for the Coral and polycarbonate for the Shadow (Ink) - results in varying sound characteristics. Understanding the role of each housing material allows for a more informed decision when selecting a mechanical switch that aligns with personal typing preferences and desired sound feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams, making the Coral easier to type on for longer periods of time. However, the bottom out force of the Shadow is 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The Coral's bottom out force is unknown, but it can be assumed to be lower than 63 grams. Overall, the Coral is lighter in terms of actuation force, whereas the Shadow offers a heavier bottom out force. Both switches have their own advantages based on individual preferences, with the Coral being ideal for prolonged typing sessions and the Shadow providing a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Coral has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The difference may seem minimal, but it can affect the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a quicker and more responsive keystroke may lean towards the Coral switch, while those who enjoy a deeper and more tactile feel may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their travel distance, catering to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal typing preferences and comfort levels.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a low-pitched resonance that gives a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch produces a clacky, high-pitched sound that is sharp, crisp, and percussive, providing a different auditory experience. If you prefer a deeper and more resonant sound, the Coral switch would be the way to go, while the Shadow switch is ideal for those who enjoy a sharper and brighter sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Coral switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized by its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback, providing a high intensity tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. If you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Coral switch is the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more responsive and dynamic feel with pronounced tactility, the Shadow switch would be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Coral switch provides a low-pitched and silky typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more mellow sound and smooth feel. On the other hand, the Shadow switch delivers a clacky, high-pitched sound with sharp and bouncy tactile feedback, catering to individuals who seek a more lively and pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for sound and feel, with both options offering unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider the factors that are important to you. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Coral switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-high level of tactility, accentuated by a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is a great option to explore. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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