Durock Light Tactile vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile 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 Durock Light Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer unique experiences for typists and discerning enthusiasts. The Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a delightful contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches evokes an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch boasts a medium-high level of tactility, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback. With its long, two-staged spring, the Shadow switch delivers deep, resonating thocks that heighten the typing experience. These switches are categorized differently, with the Light Tactile falling under the descriptors of 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished,' while the Shadow switch is characterized as 'Clacky,' 'High-pitched,' 'Sharp,' 'Accented,' 'Snappy,' 'Bouncy,' and 'Stepped.' However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have similar polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate due to its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Light Tactile or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect similar results in terms of the sound produced and compatibility with RGB lighting.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housings. The Light Tactile boasts a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which reinforces the sharper and crisper sound profile attributed to polycarbonate. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of feel, the qualities of the bottom and top housings impact different aspects of switch operation. Pressing down on either switch will elicit the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when you release a key, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced. This means that while the Light Tactile and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share a similar top housing material, their differing bottom housings will contribute to varying sound and tactile feedback. The Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing's softer nature may result in a slightly different feel compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
Weight
When comparing and contrasting the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Light Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Light Tactile is heavier with 67 grams compared to the 63 grams required by the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. This means that the Light Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force.
Weight plays a significant role in the typing experience for many individuals. Some prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, others prefer a stronger push feel, which provides a more satisfying and substantial typing experience. For those seeking a heavier switch, the Light Tactile would be a suitable choice due to its higher bottom out force. However, if a slightly lighter typing experience is preferred, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be a better option as it has a slightly lower actuation force. These differences in actuation and bottom out forces allow individuals to choose the switch that best suits their preferences and typing style. Despite these variations, both switches provide a satisfactory tactile typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results regardless of which one they choose.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Durock Light Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches are equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and keypress experience provided by these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Durock Light Tactile switch is best known for its gentle tactility, providing a unique contrast to the more commonly found sharper tactile switches. When typing on the Light Tactile, users experience a smooth and angelic tactility, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring. Typing on the Shadow switches produces deep and resonating thocks.
In terms of sound, the Light Tactile is described as having a neutral profile, with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you intend to use the switch at home or at work. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. It produces a sharp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound, the Shadow switch may not be the ideal choice.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Light Tactile offers a mild and polished typing experience. Being a mild switch, it provides a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground. The switch has a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to materials used and possible factory lubing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. It offers a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump. The keys provide a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The switch also has a two-stage feel, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offer different subjective qualities. The Light Tactile switch focuses on providing a gentle and smooth tactility, along with a neutral sound profile and a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a more pronounced tactility with deep and resonating thocks while providing a clacky and high-pitched sound. The switch also offers sharp, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feels. Choosing between the two switches depends on personal preferences and specific typing requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a gentle and jelly-like tactility, along with a neutral sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile switch is a great choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the ideal option. With its sharp and snappy sound profile, this clacky and high-pitched switch offers a distinct typing experience. Moreover, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a variety of feel descriptors, including sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, allowing you to customize your typing experience to your preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Consider the characteristics that are most important to you and select the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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