HMX Lotus vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus 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 HMX Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Lotus, a linear switch, is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound that provides a bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, is praised for its medium-high tactility and unique two-staged spring design that delivers deep and resonating thocks while typing. If you are looking for a switch with a super bouncy feel and bright sound, the Lotus may be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and deep thocks, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring could be more appealing. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ significantly in terms of the materials used. The Lotus features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a softer and rounder sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials affects not only the sound produced by the switches but also the overall typing experience for users.
While the Lotus and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have contrasting housing materials, they both excel in providing unique sound profiles for mechanical keyboards. The nylon housing of the Lotus emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a more clear and resonant sound, which may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced typing feedback. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the nylon housing of the Lotus provides a softer and duller sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a sharper and clearer sound. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller typing sound or a crisper and higher-pitched sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience and sound profile for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The difference in force between the two switches offers diversity in typing preferences, with the Lotus being lighter and the Shadow (Ink) being heavier. Both switches will yield optimal results depending on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus is a great option for those who prefer a shorter travel distance, as it provides quick response times that can be beneficial for gaming or typing quickly. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch is best known for its bright and resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as producing deep and resonating thocks when typing, with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can significantly enhance the typing experience, although the Lotus switch may provide a more lively and bouncy sound compared to the Shadow switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Lotus linear switch is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, offering a balanced and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing a high level of tactility with a two-staged spring mechanism. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Shadow switch may provide a more intense and pronounced tactile bump, making each keypress feel distinct and responsive.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy typing experience, while the Shadow switch offers deep thocks with a sharp and clacky sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch offers a balanced typing experience with medium weight, while the Shadow switch provides high tactility with sharp, bouncy, and stepped characteristics. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and can cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a bright, resonant sound with a bouncy feeling with each keystroke, the Lotus switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 63 grams and seek a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, along with deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for feel and sound when typing on your mechanical keyboard.
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