Bsun Hutt vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Hutt and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both offer unique characteristics to consider. The Hutt switch stands out for its medium-heavy spring and pronounced tactile bump, providing a balanced sound profile and a distinctive typing experience described as 'Snappy', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Accented', and 'Resonant'. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with medium tactility, offering a lower actuation and bottom-out force for a more approachable feel. This switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile and is categorized as 'Bouncy'. 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
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Hutt and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Hutt features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring maintains consistency with its polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the same clear and resonant sound profile as its top housing.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Hutt and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring benefit from the translucency of their polycarbonate top housings for RGB lighting purposes. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates similar sound profiles with a sharp and crisp quality. However, the difference lies in the material of the bottom housing. While the Hutt's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and clear quality of its overall sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Hutt and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Hutt provides a deeper and fuller sound experience with its nylon bottom housing, while still maintaining the sharpness and clarity of the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers consistency in sound quality throughout with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Both switches showcase the unique qualities that different housing materials can bring to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch with an actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches have a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bsun Hutt requires 49 grams to bottom out while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires 55 grams. This makes the Shadow (Ink) slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out. For users who prefer a switch with a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may lean towards the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may opt for the Bsun Hutt switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hutt. The shorter travel distance of the Hutt may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may provide a more substantial feel when typing. However, both switches offer a tactile experience, and selecting either one will result in a similar feeling of satisfaction when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 Bsun Hutt tactile switch is known for its resonant profile, offering a higher-pitched and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch provides a deep and thocky sound, creating a unique auditory sensation. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the choice between a resonant profile and a thocky sound will depend on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Hutt switch is described as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented, offering a tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feel with lively rebound when pressed. While the Hutt switch focuses on a sharp and intense tactile bump, the Shadow switch emphasizes a bouncy and elastic feedback, catering to different preferences in tactile typing.
Overall, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer unique qualities in sound and feel that can cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a resonant sound profile with a snappy and sharp tactile feel, or a thocky sound with a bouncy and lively tactile sensation, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences. Consider your personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as the overall setup of your keyboard, when choosing between these two switches to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Hutt tactile switch or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, you should opt for the Hutt if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy spring, a prominent tactile bump, and a balanced sound profile that offers a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, medium tactility, and a deep thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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