Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch, we can see clear differences in their characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a smooth typing experience with a vibrant RGB illumination thanks to its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, resulting in a bouncy feel and a deep, thocky sound profile. If you prefer a more straightforward and seamless typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 might be the right choice for you. However, if you value tactility and a more pronounced keystroke feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring could be the better option. 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
48g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, both switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. As a result, both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly useful for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities and aesthetics from both switches, with the material playing a significant role in enhancing the overall experience.
Despite both switches sharing the same housing material, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may differ in terms of design and performance. While the polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, other factors such as spring weight, stem design, and overall construction may impact the typing experience. Users may find subtle differences in sound and feel between the two switches, even though they share the same housing material. Additionally, the aesthetics of the switches may vary, depending on the design elements incorporated by each manufacturer.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may come down to personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and aesthetic appeal. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate housing materials, providing a sharper and more defined sound signature. However, users looking for a specific feel or style may find one switch more appealing than the other based on factors beyond the housing material. Ultimately, both switches offer quality components that contribute to a satisfying typing experience, making them suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a premium feel and performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 48 grams. However, the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to initiate a keystroke, the Lightning Silver V3 will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. Both switches have their appeal depending on personal preference, with the Lightning Silver V3 for a faster response and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's specific needs and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which provides a sharp and snappy typing experience with a bright and percussive sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a deep and thocky sound, emphasizing a more bassy and rich sound profile. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, catering to different preferences in sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharpness of the Lightning Silver V3 or the depth of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is lauded for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness enhances the overall feel of the switch, providing a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, giving a spring-like elastic feedback sensation with lively key presses and rebound. Users looking for a more dynamic and tactile typing experience may prefer the bouncy feel of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch over the silky smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer unique sound and feel profiles to cater to different typing preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a deep thocky sound with a bouncy and tactile feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and satisfaction to users seeking a distinct mechanical keyboard switch option.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel that provides a spring-like feedback sensation, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you desire, whether it be a more traditional linear switch or a tactile switch with a unique sound and feel.
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