KTT Cream Yellow vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Cream Yellow, a linear switch, is known for its distinctively clacky sound and uniquely bouncy typing feel. This is due to its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch that offers a medium-high level of tactility. Typing on these switches produces deep, resonating thocks, thanks to its long, two-staged spring. While both switches possess elements of clackiness and offer a bouncy typing experience, the Cream Yellow leans more towards providing a pronounced audio feedback, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring excels in delivering a satisfying tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have some similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, the sound and aesthetic benefits of the polycarbonate top housing would be similar for both the Cream Yellow and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
However, the bottom housing of the Cream Yellow differs from that of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to the sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with this material. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct sound qualities due to their respective bottom housings, the Cream Yellow provides a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
When typing on switches with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will have varying impacts. Pressing down on the switch will primarily provide the sensation and sound associated with the bottom housing, while releasing the key will predominantly exhibit the characteristics of the top housing. This means that the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing will particularly influence the tactile feedback and sound during keypresses, creating a different typing experience compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we find that there are similarities and differences. Both switches fall within the medium range of forces, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. However, the Cream Yellow has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the 55 grams required by the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. This means that the Cream Yellow will require a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke.
In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 63 grams. This indicates that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a heavier push to fully depress the key.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can significantly impact typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow would be a suitable choice. The lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial keystroke and prefer a stronger push feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the ideal option. Its higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying tactile feedback.
Overall, while the Cream Yellow and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have their differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer unique experiences for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch are different. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.0 mm travel distance is considered shallower. However, shorter travel distances have become prevalent, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper key press, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's longer travel distance would provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, your preference should guide your choice of switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Cream Yellow has a distinctively clacky sound due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, providing resonant audio feedback. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch also has a clacky sound, but it is further described as high-pitched, giving a sharper and crisper sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer a clacky sound profile, but the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may have a slightly higher-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This switch has a uniquely bouncy typing feel thanks to its lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has multiple descriptors for its feel. It is described as sharp, accented, snappy, and bouncy. This means that it provides a strong and crisp tactile bump, giving a prominent level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The double-staged spring in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch also contributes to its snappy and responsive feel, making the typing experience more lively. Additionally, the stepped characteristic of the switch adds a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Overall, the Cream Yellow offers a bouncy feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a sharper, more tactile, and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a clacky sound with a slightly higher pitch and a sharper, more tactile, and responsive feel. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their specific characteristics. However, if you are looking for a switch with a similar clacky sound and bouncy feel, both options would deliver satisfying results, although with slight differences due to their individual designs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a distinctively clacky sound, the KTT Cream Yellow is the best choice for you. It offers a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a bouncy typing feel, giving you a lively and rebounding experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the perfect fit. It features a long, two-staged spring that provides a strong and crisp tactile bump, allowing you to distinctly feel each and every keypress. Moreover, you can expect deep and resonating thocks when typing on these switches.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the specific qualities you value in a keyboard switch sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a clacky linear switch with a bouncy typing feel or a tactile switch with a sharp and snappy feedback, both options offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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