HMX Gravel vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring represent two distinct yet exciting options tailored for different typing experiences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, appealing to those who favor a linear switch. With a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, the Gravel provides a responsive, effortless typing experience that excels in rapid typing scenarios. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a tactile experience marked by its medium-high level of tactility and a unique two-staged spring design, producing deep, resonating "thocks" upon keystrokes. This makes the Shadow ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced feedback with each keypress. While both switches cater to different preferences, one emphasizing smoothness and the other highlighting tactile feedback, they each have their own merits for specific types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches share a key similarity in their top housing material; both feature polycarbonate. This commonality results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The material's translucency also enhances visual effects, especially when RGB lighting is employed, allowing for a vivid and aesthetically pleasing illumination of the keyboard. Thus, regardless of the individual switch design, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that users will experience a clear resonance when activating their keys.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches, which can greatly alter the overall auditory experience. The HMX Gravel utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, known for a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This quality allows the nylon to dampen sound more effectively, creating a rounder tone. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, akin to its top housing, hence producing a consistent high-pitched sound. The dual use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom creates a unique sound experience compared to the Gravel, which combines the sharper sound of polycarbonate at the top with the warmer qualities of nylon at the bottom.
When it comes to the tactile experience of using these switches, the differences in their bottom housing materials will be more pronounced. The HMX Gravel, with its nylon base, offers a sound that is more subdued and softer upon bottoming out, while users of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring can expect a crisper response owing to the polycarbonate material throughout. Consequently, any user aiming for a more nuanced and dynamic keypress may lean towards the Gravel for its fuller sound, while those who prefer a consistent and bright auditory feedback might favor the Shadow. Ultimately, even if top housings are the same, the disparate bottom housing materials can lead to unique user experiences, blending both sound and feel in distinct ways.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch, which is conducive to longer typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Thus, while both switches serve their purposes effectively, the HMX Gravel is ideal for users seeking less resistance and fatigue, while the Aflion Shadow is suited for those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we see a distinct difference. The Gravel switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gravel switch provides a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to those seeking quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. In contrast, the Shadow switch’s longer travel distance may be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial pressing experience, offering a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 HMX Gravel linear switch provides a quieter typing experience, characterized by its smooth actuation without any audible clicking or thock, ideal for those who prefer a more subdued sound profile. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is known for its deep, resonating thocks that create a rich auditory signature. The combination of this switch's high-pitched, clacky sound delivers a snappy and pronounced auditory feedback, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic experience when typing.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switches excel in delivering a smooth and refined typing experience that is effortless and responsive, ideal for those who favor linear switches. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a distinct tactile experience that is sharp and accented, providing a strong feedback with each keypress due to its dual-staged spring mechanism. This makes the Shadow switch snappy and bouncy, giving it a lively character while still maintaining a medium-high level of tactility, enhancing the overall engagement during typing.
In summary, the HMX Gravel and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Gravel provides a smooth, quiet experience, making it perfect for a minimalist setup, whereas the Shadow switches deliver a rich acoustic signature with more pronounced tactile feedback, suited for users who enjoy a livelier typographical engagement. Your choice between these two will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, silent keypress or an audible, tactile experience while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch greatly depends on your preferences in typing feel and sound, as well as the type of tasks you intend to perform. If you value a lightweight and smooth typing experience, with a responsive action that allows for quick keystrokes, the Gravel is an excellent option. Its 50-gram actuation force and exceptionally smooth feel make it particularly suited for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, where you might prioritize speed and a gentle touch over tactile feedback. Conversely, if you enjoy a pronounced tactile experience alongside a medium-high sound profile, the Aflion Shadow switch may be more to your liking. With its stronger actuation force of 63 grams and distinct tactile bump, it delivers a satisfying auditory and physical feedback that many typists and gamers find conducive to precision in their keystrokes. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate auditory cues while typing or gaming and want a switch that engages them more directly with each press. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer the smoothness and lightness of the Gravel or the tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction of the Shadow switch.
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