Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, they possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from one another. The Crystal Violet switches are renowned for their light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile feel. With a mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, these switches offer a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches boast a medium-high level of tactility, accompanied by deep and resonating thocks when typing. Known for their clacky sound and sharp feel, these switches are perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile sensation. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have different housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings but is commonly found in keycaps. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches featuring ABS. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches have different materials. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing, similar to the top housing, results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Similar to the top housing, the stiffness of the polycarbonate material contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, if a switch features a clear housing like the polycarbonate used in the Shadow (Ink), it is more likely to be polycarbonate, especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting effects.
It is worth noting that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the top and bottom parts of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, you will feel the impact and experience the sound of the bottom housing, as it has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when letting go of a key, the top housing will have more impact on the sound. Therefore, the choice of housing material for each part can significantly affect the typing experience and the sound produced by the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Crystal Violet has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, but the Crystal Violet provides a slightly lighter touch.
As for the bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force to fully press down, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly heavier 63 grams. This indicates that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a slightly more substantial typing feel when fully pressing down.
Considering the importance of weight in keyboard usage, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may opt for the Crystal Violet. Its lighter actuation force would be suitable for extended typing sessions at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may find the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring more appealing, with its slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force.
In summary, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the slightly heavier Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch. As a result, those who prefer a lighter touch can opt for the Crystal Violet, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may choose the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for their keyboard.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that they both provide a consistent tactile feedback when pressed, allowing for a satisfying typing experience. Regardless of whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect to have a similar travel distance and feel the key's movement from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches have a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches leans towards the lower end of the audible spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as clacky and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and bright tone. So, the Crystal Violet switches provide a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer a sharper and crisper sound.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are known for their creamy and mild typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, with a gentle and approachable feel. They are described as being stepped, which means they have a two-stage tactile feeling with some pre-travel and post-travel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and also stepped. These switches provide a strong and crisp tactile bump with high feedback intensity. They have a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the use of longer or dual-staged springs in these switches makes the typing experience feel more responsive and alive.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have distinct differences in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switches offer a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, mild, and stepped tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a clacky and high-pitched sound, with a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a relaxed and gentle typing experience with a mellow sound, the Crystal Violet switches would be suitable. However, if you prefer a more pronounced and lively typing experience with a sharper sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches would be a better choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light operating force and a relaxed typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. These switches are best suited for those seeking a mellow and stepped tactile typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility and a sharper sound when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a medium level of actuation force. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches feature a long, two-staged spring that enhances the tactility and produces deep, resonating thocks when typing.
In terms of sound, the Crystal Violet switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use at home or work. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound that is preferred by those who enjoy a brighter sound.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy, mild, and stepped typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, a gentle typing experience, and a two-staged tactile feedback that is more mild compared to hypertactile switches. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, on the other hand, offer a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped typing experience. These switches are known for their high feedback intensity, prominent tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, responsiveness, and lively rebound.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches will depend on your preference for operating force, typing experience, sound profile, and tactility level. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired feel when making your decision. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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