Gateron Luciola vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, there are two options that stand out: the Gateron Luciola and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Luciola is a linear switch that is well-known for its eye-catching feature of glowing in the dark. It offers a medium-heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing experience. The sound profile of the Luciola can best be described as a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken." On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility. The long, two-staged spring in this variant delivers a satisfying typing experience with deep and resonating thocks. While these general characteristics provide a good starting point in choosing a switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches have different materials for the top and bottom housing. The Luciola uses a proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the shadow switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency also makes it suitable for RGB lighting.

While the Luciola's INK blend top and bottom housing provide a similar sound profile, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch brings a distinct quality. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. This means that when you press down on the Shadow (Ink) switch, you will feel the impact and experience a sharper bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Luciola switch. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate housing in the Shadow (Ink) switch makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects.

In terms of overall sound, both switches deliver a higher-pitched and satisfying sound experience. However, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch with its polycarbonate housing might offer a slightly sharper and crisper sound compared to the Luciola with its proprietary INK blend housing. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Luciola offering a more clacky sound profile and the Shadow (Ink) providing a clearer and potentially more resonant sound. Additionally, if the presence of RGB lighting is a priority, the Shadow (Ink) switch's polycarbonate top housing would better showcase the desired lighting effects.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are a few similarities and differences to note. Both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and sensitivity. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight distinction. The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a bit more force to fully press the key.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch may be ideal, as its actuation and bottom out forces are both relatively low. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions and may be preferred for those who use their keyboard for extended periods, such as in a work or gaming setting. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force. This added weight can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and may be preferred by users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we find that the Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Luciola falls on the shorter side of the spectrum, which is favored by gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Overall, while the Luciola provides a shorter and more responsive feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a bit more depth and satisfaction for those who prefer it.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as having a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. It is clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is also clacky and high-pitched. It produces deep, resonating thocks when typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Luciola switch having a more varied range of sound descriptors compared to the Shadow (Ink) switch.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its medium heft and smooth and bouncy typing feel. It is snappy, buttery, and polished. These switches provide a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. It offers a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump. The keys have a lively feel and provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation.

Based on the available information, the Gateron Luciola switch offers a smoother and more bouncy typing experience with a medium heft, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback with deep thock sounds. If you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and bouncy feel and a variety of sound profiles, the Luciola switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a strong tactile bump and deep resonating thocks, the Shadow (Ink) switch would be a great option. It is important to consider personal preferences and the specific typing experience desired when choosing between these two switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with an eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience. The Luciola switches also have a distinct sound profile, producing either a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the one to go for. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches offer a sharp and crisp feedback intensity. The Shadow switches are also described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, or stepped, providing a range of tactile sensations. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches boils down to your preference for either linear or tactile feel, as well as your desired sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn more