Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are two excellent options to consider. On one hand, the Crystal Violet offers a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience that is perfect for those who prefer a gentle and comfortable feel. Its sound profile leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, the use of ABS in the switches' housings enhances their mellow sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring variant of Aflion's Shadow switch offers a medium level of tactility, making it a great choice for those who desire a tactile switch with approachable tactility. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, the Shadow switch provides a satisfying typing experience. Its standout feature is its deep and thocky sound profile, adding a touch of uniqueness to your typing sessions. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring differ in their housing materials, with the former featuring an ABS top housing and the latter having a polycarbonate top housing. The ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile while typing, which may be preferred by those who desire a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This can be more vibrant and resonant, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. Overall, these differences in housing material contribute to distinct auditory experiences while typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Crystal Violet and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilize ABS and polycarbonate, respectively. The ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet produces a relatively low-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, which complements its polycarbonate top housing. This combination allows for a consistent and cohesive sound experience, with the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch influenced primarily by the qualities of the bottom housing.
It is worth mentioning that if a switch has different housing materials for its top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each material will be divided between the two parts. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom of a switch can greatly affect the overall sound profile and tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a medium-light keystroke experience. However, the actuation force differs slightly, with the Crystal Violet requiring 45 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requiring 48 grams. Despite this difference, both switches fall within the medium-light range and provide a similar tactile feedback. It is worth noting that the Crystal Violet is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, which may be preferred by individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of usage. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a slightly stronger push feel, creating a more substantial typing experience for those seeking a heavier keystroke. Overall, both switches offer a satisfactory balance between actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing intensity.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches travel a distance of 4 mm from top to bottom when pressed, providing a consistent tactile feedback and typing experience. Whether it's the Crystal Violet or the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, users can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance and the feeling they experience when pressing down on the keys. In summary, both switches offer a 4 mm travel distance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
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) Single 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) Single 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 Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its pleasantly mellow and lower-pitched sound profile. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or in a work setting. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is not explicitly described, so it is unknown how it compares to the Crystal Violet. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy feel is characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation, as if your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. This can be attributed to either factory-applied lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. Additionally, the mild nature of this switch ensures that its sound and feel are approachable to most users, as it lies in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Crystal Violet switch is also described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. This provides a more gentle tactile experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as being bouncy, giving a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This provides a lively feel and rebound when the keys are pressed.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is lauded for its light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Its sound profile is pleasantly mellow and leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, while its feel is creamy and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is recommended for those looking for a medium level of tactility, featuring a lower actuation and bottom-out force. Although its sound profile and detailed feel characteristics are not explicitly described, it can be inferred that it offers a bouncy typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a light operating force, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, thanks to their creamy and mild characteristics. The low-pitched sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches also creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a bouncy feel, we highly recommend the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches. These switches have a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing an approachable tactility. Additionally, the deep and thocky sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches adds to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for operating force, level of tactility, and desired sound and feel.
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