Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mechanical keyboard switches, we are presented with two distinct options for tactile typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is revered for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a unique and satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a more approachable level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, accompanied by a deep and thocky sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile boasts a 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished' feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is characterized as 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its own strengths that cater to different preferences, making it essential to explore further beyond generalities to determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ice King Tactile also uses nylon, which contributes to a similar deep and round sound profile as the top housing. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing users with a tactile experience that may vary in intensity depending on the material used. Whether you prefer the softer sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both housing materials offer their own set of advantages and characteristics.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring ultimately comes down to personal preferences in sound, feel, and aesthetics. While the Ice King Tactile uses nylon for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent deep and full sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mixes polycarbonate with its top and bottom housings for a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbent sound or a stiffer, clear sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. Additionally, if the switch features RGB lighting, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring can enhance the visual appeal of the keyboard. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, with the choice of housing material dictating the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is heavier while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is lighter. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it as a medium-light switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Ice King Tactile would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. A shorter travel distance can provide faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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
In terms of sound, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch has a deep and thocky sound profile, giving a more pronounced and satisfying auditory experience. Both switches will produce pleasant sounds, but the Ice King Tactile switch will offer a quieter and more refined typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a unique tactile feel. In comparison, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, offering a lively and spring-like feedback sensation when pressed. While the Ice King Tactile switch emphasizes smoothness and finesse, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch focuses on a more dynamic and responsive typing experience.
Overall, choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a smoother and more refined tactile feel with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Tactile switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncier and more lively typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch may be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will get a satisfying typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile may be the switch for you. With its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, it offers a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a more approachable tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is a great option. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with a bouncy feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for key feel and typing experience.
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