Neo Lavender HE vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience that stands out from traditional mechanical options. Meanwhile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a completely different feel, featuring a medium-high level of tactility and producing deep, resonating thocks that provide gratifying feedback with each keystroke. While the Lavender HE caters to users who value a smooth, almost silent operation, the Shadow switch appeals to those who enjoy an engaging tactile sensation during typing. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, one can immediately notice a fundamental difference in the types of plastics used. The Neo Lavender HE employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for creating a deeper and more full-bodied sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is a stiffer and clearer plastic. This difference translates to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, manifesting a more resonant auditory experience.
The difference in materials not only affects the overall sound profile but also impacts how each switch feels during use. The Neo Lavender HE's nylon material contributes to a softer tactile experience, as the material inherently dampens the vibrations and sound generated during key presses. The deeper sound produced by the nylon contributes to a more muted keystroke. On the other hand, the polycarbonate used in the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring enhances the clarity and responsiveness of the switch. The sharper sound, coupled with the stiffer plastic, offers a more pronounced feedback sensation when bottoming out the key, providing users with a distinctly different typing experience.
Despite these differences in material composition, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on user preferences. Those who appreciate a softer, more rounded sound profile may gravitate toward the Neo Lavender HE, while those looking for a crisp, clear auditory feedback may favor the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Notably, if users are inclined toward RGB lighting, the polycarbonate in the Aflion provides a translucent quality that elevates the aesthetic with vibrant lighting effects. Conversely, while the nylon of the Lavender HE may not provide the same visual aesthetics, it can still deliver a rich typing experience that prioritizes sound dampening and comfort. Ultimately, choice will depend on whether one prioritizes acoustics or aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we can see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This difference means that while the Lavender HE is better suited for comfort during prolonged use, the Shadow (Ink) provides a more tactile feedback with a firmer push. Ultimately, users who favor lighter switches for comfort should lean towards the Lavender HE, while those seeking a more robust feel should opt for the Shadow (Ink).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we find that the Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) offers a more traditional experience with its 4 mm travel, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their key presses. Ultimately, if you favor a snappier sensation when typing or gaming, the Neo Lavender HE would be the preferable choice, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) suits those who might find a deeper travel more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch produces a clean, low sound that enhances the typing experience with a relatively muted auditory profile, making it less intrusive compared to conventional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized by deep, resonating thocks, which create a rich acoustic experience that leans towards a clacky and sharp sound when keys are pressed. This contrast means that users looking for a quieter typing experience would lean towards the Neo Lavender, while those who appreciate lively and pronounced acoustic feedback might prefer the Shadow switches.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Lavender HE provides a smooth keystroke with subtle tactile feedback that may not be as pronounced or distinguishable as other options, making it suitable for users who prefer a less obtrusive typing experience. In stark contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a multi-faceted tactile experience with a prominent tactile bump that is sharp, snappy, and bouncy. Its medium-high tactility is accented and gives users an instant response with each keystroke, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more active feel while typing.
Overall, the Neo Lavender HE and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer distinctive experiences tailored to different preferences. The Neo Lavender is ideal for users who prioritize a quieter and more subdued typing sound with a smooth feel, while the Shadow switches are perfect for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile response combined with a rich acoustic experience. Choosing between these two ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, as they cater to different aspects of the typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a clean, low sound that's perfect for quieter environments, the Neo Lavender HE would be your go-to option, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard that takes advantage of its magnetic technology. It’s ideal for users who value a smooth tactile experience without heavy resistance. Conversely, if you're looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback with a snappy action and a medium-high sound profile that resonates with a rich, clacky tone, then the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the better choice. Its deeper thocks and sharper tactile feedback will cater to those who enjoy a lively typing experience, making it a solid option for typists and gamers alike who crave that satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the lightness and subtlety of the Lavender HE or the more tactile and acoustic fullness of the Shadow (Ink), your selection should reflect what you deem most enjoyable in your daily keyboard interactions.
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