Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are two options worth exploring. The Ink Box Black is renowned for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, giving it a distinct clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished sound signature, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility, making it ideal for those seeking a tactile switch. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a very approachable tactility while also featuring a deep and thocky sound profile. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring have different housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. Both switches provide a satisfying, higher-pitched sound profile, although the Ink Box Black's INK blend is described as not overly sharp, while the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring creates a sharper and crisper sound.
Aesthetically speaking, the Ink Box Black's top housing is not translucent, which can be a drawback if you plan to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is transparent, allowing for an enhanced visual experience when using RGB lighting. This makes the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring a more desirable choice for those who prioritize RGB customization.
When it comes to pressing down and releasing a key, the bottom housing material of a switch has a greater impact on the overall sound and feel. Both switches offer a clacky and thin sound profile due to their respective housing materials. However, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may provide a slightly clearer and more resonant sound when bottoming out a key compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black. Nonetheless, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ink Box Black has a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is heavier at 70 grams, compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be a suitable choice, as both its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This would allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is better suited for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, as its actuation and bottom out forces are heavier.
In terms of weight, the Ink Box Black is overall heavier than the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, making it more suitable for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. However, for individuals seeking a lighter switch for extended usage, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would provide similar results. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we can see that the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has the longer travel distance. The Ink Box Black falls closer to the shallower end of the spectrum with its shorter travel distance.
When it comes to preferences, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered the most traditional and offers a satisfying keypress depth. On the other hand, the trend towards shorter travel distances has gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance, like the Gateron Ink Box Black, would be a suitable choice.
However, it's important to note that short travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt or lacking in depth for some individuals. If you prefer a more hearty and pronounced keypress, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its longer travel distance might be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek to achieve.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black would be a suitable choice, while the sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky and polished. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is described as bouncy. This indicates that the keys have a lively and elastic feedback sensation, providing a rebound when pressed. If you prefer a switch with a silky and polished feel, the Ink Box Black would be the better choice, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a bouncy tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its silky and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a bouncy tactile feedback and a currently unknown sound profile. Both switches provide their own unique qualitative qualities, and the choice between them would depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. However, it is important to consider that the sound and feel of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offer distinct experiences, and selecting one would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Ink Box Black is the way to go. With its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, it offers a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with a more approachable tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. It provides a deep and thocky sound profile and offers a bouncy and lively feel when typing. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so consider your desired typing experience and sound preference when making your decision. Overall, both switches are excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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