Zuoce Lavender vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lavender is a linear switch known for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring stands out as a tactile switch with medium tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, offering a bouncy feel while typing. If you prefer easy-to-press and clacky switches, the Lavender may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a softer touch and a more pronounced feedback, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring could be the perfect fit. Now, 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
48g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches both feature POM top housings, which create a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both switches offer different experiences in terms of sound, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the Zuoce Lavender and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches showcase different housing materials for their bottom housing. The Lavender features a POM bottom housing, mirroring its top housing material, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, contrasting with its top housing material. This difference in housing materials between the top and bottom further enhances the overall sound profile of each switch, providing a diverse typing experience for users who appreciate both deeper and crisper sound profiles.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Lavender and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Lavender offers a more muted and deep sound with its consistent POM housing materials, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing materials. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with unique sound profiles, showcasing the importance of housing materials in creating a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both have a light actuation force of 48 grams, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender has a slightly lighter touch with 53 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams. This means that the Lavender may offer a slightly softer landing when pressing the keys all the way down. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, providing a balance between ease of use and a subtle tactile response. Depending on individual preferences, some may find the Lavender to be the lighter option overall, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we can see that the Lavender has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer different experiences due to their differing travel distances, providing users with options based on their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its crisp and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, which adds a unique touch to typing sessions. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with minimal force required for activation. This feature makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a bit of liveliness to key presses. While both switches offer different tactile experiences, they cater to users who prefer either a light and easy press or a more rebounding feel.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender provides a smooth and clacky typing experience with an easy-to-press nature, while the Shadow (Ink) switch offers a deeper and bouncier tactile feedback along with a thocky sound profile. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinctive characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and ease of typing or prefer a more lively and tactile feedback during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: Opt for the Lavender if you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature in your typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who prefer an easy-to-press switch with minimal resistance. On the other hand, choose the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile. This switch offers a bouncy feel and lower actuation and bottom-out force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for smoothness, sound, tactility, and overall typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
