Gazzew LT vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come up for comparison are the Gazzew LT and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Gazzew LT switches, with their enticing lilac hue, offer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness when typing. They provide a seamless glide with every keystroke, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are known for their medium-high level of tactility. With its long, two-staged spring, this variant offers a tactile feedback that is both satisfying and distinct. Both switches result in deep, resonating thocks when typing, but the Gazzew LT is categorized as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, while the Aflion Shadow is described 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 switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew LT and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have contrasting housing materials. While the LT utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing made of "boba plastic," the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate top housing. The Gazzew blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, resulting in a more mellow and smooth auditory experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more distinct and resonant sound. Therefore, if sound preference is a significant factor, the choice between the two switches will greatly depend on whether one prefers a softer or crisper sound.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Gazzew LT and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in material. The Gazzew LT uses the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. Both housings contribute to the switch's overall sound profile, but the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. As a result, the Gazzew LT's soft bottom housing will provide a more cushioned and gentle bottom-out experience, emphasizing a smooth landing when pressing the keys. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will offer a sharper and more defined bottom-out sensation, providing a crisper and more responsive feel.

Although the LT and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have different housing materials, the qualities they bring to the switch are complementary. As the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches can provide a combination of softness and crispness in their sound profiles. Both switches are designed to enhance the auditory experience, ensuring satisfying feedback to the user. However, it is essential to note that the LT's Gazzew blend housing materials aim for a rich and deep sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate materials emphasize a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the LT switch has an unknown actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it fall into the medium category.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch might be more suitable as it has a slightly lower actuation force compared to the LT switch. This lighter actuation force can provide a smoother and potentially faster typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, if someone prefers a more substantial push feel, the LT switch might be a better option with its medium-heavy bottom out force. This heavier force can give a satisfying tactile feedback and make typing feel more sturdy.

Overall, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the LT and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches differ slightly, they both fall within the medium range. Depending on personal preferences, one may find the lighter actuation force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch more appealing, while others might appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the LT switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the LT has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, providing a deeper press and a more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, the LT's travel distance of 3.2 mm is on the shallower side, providing a quicker response time favored by gamers. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prioritize response time and a shorter keystroke, the LT switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more pronounced press, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches deliver satisfactory results, albeit with slightly different tactile experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT switches are best known for their deep, resonant "thockiness." These switches offer a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke, producing a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." The LT switches have a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a rich sound profile that is reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have a clacky sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. If you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy sound, the LT switches would be more suitable. However, if you enjoy the sharper, crisper sound of higher-pitched switches, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches may be the better choice. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gazzew LT switches do not have specific descriptors provided. However, based on their "linear thock" designation, it can be inferred that these switches offer a smooth and seamless keystroke experience. The LT switches provide a glide-like feel with every keypress, ensuring a fluid and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer a variety of tactile qualities. These switches can be described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, or stepped. Each keypress with these switches provides a distinct tactile feedback that is either strong and crisp, medium in intensity, super responsive, spring-like, or mildly tactile with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. If you prefer a linear switch without specific tactile qualities, the LT switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced and varied tactile feedback, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a range of options to cater to different preferences.

In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switches and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The LT switches are best known for their deep, resonant "thockiness" and smooth gliding keystrokes. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, on the other hand, provide a clacky sound with sharp and snappy feedback. While the LT switches do not have specific tactile qualities mentioned, the Shadow switches offer options such as sharpness, accentuation, snappiness, bounciness, and a stepped feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy sound and a smooth linear feel, the LT switches would be a suitable choice. If you enjoy a sharper sound and various tactile options, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a range of experiences to explore.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gazzew LT is an excellent choice. These switches offer a satisfying auditory experience with their deep and resonant thockiness, accompanied by a seamless glide with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect for you. With its long, two-staged spring, this switch variant provides a medium-high level of tactility, resulting in deep and resonating thocks when typing. Additionally, if you prefer a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, the LT is the way to go. However, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will be more to your liking. Finally, in terms of feel, the LT's characteristics are not specified, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a range of descriptors including sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preferred key feel, sound profile, and tactile feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn more