Gateron Ink Red vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are many factors to consider, such as your typing style and preferences for sound and tactility. Two popular switches that offer different experiences are the Gateron Ink Red, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Ink Red is ideal for those with a lighter typing style, as it features a lower actuation force and offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. It has a crispy and clacky sound profile, making it perfect for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is designed for those who prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility. Its two-staged spring provides a distinctive feel and offers deep, resonating thocks when typing. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches both have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Despite their differences, both switches offer a satisfying and clacky sound experience.
Starting with the top housing, the Ink Red's INK blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It is described as not overly sharp, providing a thinner and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring enhances the sound by offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches share similar characteristics. The INK blend in the Ink Red and the polycarbonate material in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contribute to the overall clacky sound experience. While the Ink Red's bottom housing is described as relatively high-pitched, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for better light transmission, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Pressing down on either switch will offer a unique tactile experience influenced by their respective bottom housing materials. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is primarily influenced by the top housing. Therefore, despite their differing materials, both the Ink Red and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provide users with a satisfying clacky sound, with the bottom housing contributing to the overall feel and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Ink Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls within the medium range. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, also falling within the medium range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red may be more suitable. With its lower actuation force, it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for extended typing sessions at work or long gaming sessions. Additionally, the slightly lighter bottom out force can provide a more responsive and effortless typing experience.
In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a slightly heavier push feel. The higher actuation force of 55 grams provides a more substantial typing experience, offering a tactile feedback that some users may find satisfying. Furthermore, the slightly heavier bottom out force of 63 grams can provide added stability and precision, reducing the chances of accidental keystrokes.
Overall, the comparison shows that the Gateron Ink Red is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is slightly heavier. However, both switches fall within the medium range, ensuring a comfortable and reliable typing experience. Therefore, if a user prefers a lighter switch, they can opt for the Gateron Ink Red, while those seeking a stronger push feel can choose the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for similar but slightly different results.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances. Whether you opt for the Gateron Ink Red or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and the distance the switch travels.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer different qualities. The Ink Red has a crispy and clacky sound profile, which can be categorized as neutral. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch produces deep and resonating thocks when typing. It can be described as clacky and high-pitched, giving it a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a switch with a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Shadow switch would be a good choice. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ink Red switch provides a silky and polished typing experience. It offers an exceptionally smooth feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The typing experience is gentle and approachable, falling into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of characteristics. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, on the other hand, is known for its sharp and snappy tactile bump. It offers high feedback intensity, allowing users to feel a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. Additionally, it can be described as accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. It is also snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. Some users may appreciate the stepped feel of the switch, as it has two stages and offers a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Red provides a neutral, crispy, and clacky sound profile, while being silky, mild, and polished in terms of feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while offering a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feel. Choosing between the two depends on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. However, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences in their respective categories, so regardless of choice, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter typing style, the Gateron Ink Red is the perfect choice for you. With its lower actuation force and satisfyingly smooth feel, you'll be able to effortlessly type on these switches. Additionally, the crisp and clacky sound profile of the Ink Reds adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the way to go. The long, two-staged spring in these switches provides a deep and resonating thock sound, which enhances the typing experience. The Shadow switches also offer a range of tactile characteristics, such as sharp feedback, accented tactility, and snappy responsiveness, giving you a dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch depends on your personal preference for typing style, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
