Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch. The Gateron Ink Yellow is characterized by its shorter travel distance, offering a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its smoothness and clackiness, this switch is a great choice for those seeking a polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow, from the emerging brand Aflion, provides a pronounced tactile bump while maintaining a harmonious overall feel. With a medium weight and neutral sound signature, these switches showcase Aflion's commitment to innovative design. While the Gateron Ink Yellow is ideal for those looking for a pleasant typing experience, the Aflion Thunder Shadow appeals to users seeking a tactile and balanced feel. 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a satisfying, thin, and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials provide a distinct sound, the INK blend offers a milder pitch compared to the more intense sound produced by polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the INK blend used in the Ink Yellow provides a similar pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile as the top housing. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. These differences in bottom housing material contribute to the overall sound experience of each switch.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the INK blend in the Ink Yellow provides a more moderate and clacky sound, the polycarbonate and nylon materials used in the Thunder Shadow offer sharper and deeper tones, respectively. Whether you prefer a softer, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact your typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ink Yellow requiring 67 grams and the Thunder Shadow needing 63.5 grams. In terms of weight, the Ink Yellow is the lighter option, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Regardless of the differences in force, both switches offer a medium-heavy feel overall, providing a satisfying typing experience whether you prefer a lighter touch or a heavier push.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The consistent travel distance of 3.5 mm for both switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation depth. Overall, whether you choose the Gateron Ink Yellow or the Aflion Thunder Shadow, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 3.5 mm for a tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are described as having a neutral profile, making them suitable for various purposes without being too loud or too quiet. However, the Ink Yellow is also noted for its clacky sound, which adds a sharp and snappy element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's sound is not as distinctly defined, allowing for a more subdued auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow is described as offering a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined key travel. This makes it a safe choice for most users, providing a comfortable typing feel without any extreme characteristics. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow is characterized as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a firmer actuation force for a more immersive typing sensation. This tactile bump adds a tactile element to the typing experience that the Ink Yellow lacks.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a smooth and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gateron Ink Yellow is a solid choice. However, if you're looking for a more tactile and invigorating typing experience with a harmonious balance of weight and feedback, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch would be the better option. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a smoother and shorter travel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Ink Yellow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump, a neutral sound signature, and a harmonious balance with a slightly lighter bottom-out force, the Thunder Shadow could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, it's important to test out both switches to see which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
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