HC Studio Crabapple vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer distinct typing experiences. The Crabapple switch, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, offers a medium-high level of tactility with a long, two-staged spring for a satisfying typing experience accompanied by deep, resonating thocks. While the Crabapple switch is characterized by its mild and subdued sound signature, the Shadow switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. If you prefer a smooth and textured typing experience, the Crabapple switch may be the way to go, while those seeking a tactile and clicky typing experience may prefer the Shadow switch. 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
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles due to their respective materials. The Crabapple features a POM top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer pleasing sounds, the POM housing of the Crabapple provides a different auditory experience compared to the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
Aesthetically, the housing materials also play a significant role in the overall look of the switches. The Crabapple's POM housing gives it a more opaque and solid appearance, while the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring allows for a translucent and see-through design. This transparency is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual effects. In terms of sound quality, the stiffness of polycarbonate creates a more resonant and clear sound profile, which may appeal to users looking for a crisper typing experience.
While the HC Studio Crabapple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique benefits to the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a combination of qualities in each switch, affecting both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Crabapple or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both switches offer distinct options for users seeking a customized typing experience.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Crabapple requires 45 grams to fully press down, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring needs 63 grams, indicating a higher resistance. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Crabapple would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its heavier forces. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their distinct actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Crabapple offers a slightly shallower press compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Gamers may lean towards the Crabapple for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more tactile and deep press may prefer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued typing experience with a dampened sound that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch produces a clacky, high-pitched sound that is sharp, snappy, and resonating. The Crabapple provides a mild and understated sound profile, whereas the Shadow switch variant delivers a more crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch is characterized by its frictionless and textured typing experience, offering an effortless and fluid travel with a mild and approachable tactile feedback that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. Conversely, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a sharp and accented tactile bump that is prominent and distinctly felt with each keypress, giving a snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel that is super responsive and lively. Overall, the Crabapple switch focuses on smoothness and subtlety, while the Shadow switch excels in delivering a pronounced and dynamic tactility that enhances the typing experience.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple switch provides a smoother, understated typing experience with a subtle sound profile, while the Shadow switch delivers a more pronounced and dynamic tactile feedback accompanied by a clacky, resonating sound. Depending on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, users can choose between the frictionless and mild Crabapple switch or the sharp and snappy Shadow switch to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing experience. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing journey with a subtle sound signature, then the Crabapple switch crafted from POM material may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy a tactile switch with a high level of tactility, along with deep, resonating thocks while typing, then the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch could be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel descriptors provided for each switch to help guide your decision based on your preferred typing experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences for an enhanced mechanical keyboard experience.
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