Outemu Lime vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Lime and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both of which are tactile switches. The Lime switches are truly unique, offering a lightweight and silenced typing experience with a touch of tactility. These switches are ideal for those who enjoy a feathery light typing feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a medium-high level of tactility. With their long, two-staged spring design, these switches offer a satisfying and resonating thock sound while typing. While these general descriptions can give you an idea of what to expect, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch so you can make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches differ significantly. The Lime features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Shadow switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. It creates a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, the top housing of these switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound produced when pressing a key.
Likewise, the bottom housing materials of the Lime and Shadow switches also vary. The Lime employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the key. Conversely, the Shadow switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing. This stiffer plastic creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, giving a more clear and resonant bottom-out sound. Similar to the top housing, the qualities of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the sound and feel when pressing down a key.
Though the Lime and Shadow switches differ in their housing materials, their similarities lie in the overall effect on typing sound. Both switches aim to enhance the auditory experience by manipulating the sound profile. The nylon of the Lime's housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate used in the Shadow switch generates a sharper and crisper sound. While their approaches to achieving these sound profiles may differ, ultimately, both switches prioritize delivering an enhanced typing experience by manipulating the housing materials to produce distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences. The Lime switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63 grams, resulting in a more substantial keystroke feel. This means that individuals looking for a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming might lean towards the Lime switch, while those seeking a stronger and more pronounced typing experience may prefer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. Although the forces of the two switches are not identical, users can achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out by customizing their typing technique to accommodate the switch they choose. Overall, these factors highlight the significance of weight when selecting a keyboard switch, as it directly impacts the user's comfort and typing efficiency.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring the longer of the two switches.
In terms of comparison, both switches offer a tactile feel when pressed down, providing a satisfying feedback to the user. However, the shorter travel distance of the Lime switch may be preferred by gamers or those seeking faster response times. The shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch may be more appealing to individuals who prefer a deeper and more pronounced actuation.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences. The Lime switch offers a shorter travel distance for a more responsive experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a longer travel distance for those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches have their advantages and it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when making a decision.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lime switches are known for having a neutral sound profile and being muted. The neutral sound profile means that these switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making them suitable for most purposes. The muted aspect of these switches ensures that the sound produced is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have a clacky sound profile and are described as high-pitched. The clacky sound they produce is sharp and snappy, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. The high-pitched nature of these switches adds to the sharp and crisp sound, making them a suitable choice for those who prefer a less rich and bassy sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Lime switches are described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. The mild nature of these switches offers a gentle typing experience, with qualities that fall into a safe middle-ground zone. The feathery aspect means that these switches are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Their subtle resistance provides a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. The sharp tactile bump of these switches provides high feedback intensity, allowing users to distinctly feel it with each and every keypress. The accented nature of these switches means they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The snappy and bouncy qualities make them super responsive and provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the stepped nature of these switches means they feel more mild compared to switches with a constant bump, allowing for some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lime switches and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lime switches are lightweight, have an approachable tactility, and produce a muted sound. They are ideal for tactile fans looking for a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Shadow switches have a medium-high level of tactility, deep resonating thocks when typing, and a clacky, high-pitched sound. The sharp and crisp tactile bump, along with the snappy, bouncy, and stepped qualities, make them a great choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a more intense feedback sensation. If you are looking for a similar lightweight and approachable tactility with a quieter sound, the Lime switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp, percussive sound, the Shadow switches would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lightweight and silenced tactile switch, the Outemu Lime would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility. The Lime switches are perfect for tactile fans who value a gentle typing feel and a muted sound profile. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use at home or in a work environment.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the better option. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches offer a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Additionally, the Shadow switches produce deep, resonating thocks, resulting in a clacky and high-pitched sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lime and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches relies on your personal preferences for tactility, typing feel, and sound. The Lime switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience with a muted sound, while the Shadow switches deliver a sharper and more accentuated tactility with a clacky and high-pitched sound. Consider your desired typing experience and sound profile to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
