HMX Lucky vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring present two compelling yet distinct options. The HMX Lucky, featuring softer nylon housings and a lightweight design, offers a smooth and satisfying linear typing experience that is perfect for those who prefer a silent and fluid keystroke. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a clean, uninterrupted feel without the tactile bump. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring delivers a more engaging tactile feedback, thanks to its medium-high level of tactility and a unique two-staged spring mechanism. Users will enjoy the pronounced "thock" sound and sensation that adds an auditory and tactile layer to typing, making it a favored choice for those who love the feedback and rhythm of traditional mechanical switches. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you desire the stealthy smoothness of the Lucky or the satisfying feedback of the Shadow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-staged spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring showcase distinctly different approaches to housing materials, each with its own sonic characteristics that influence the typing experience. The Lucky employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, capitalizing on the material's inherent softness. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound and creates a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both housings, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance, producing a more defined auditory feedback that caters to users who prefer clearer acoustics.
When one considers the bottom housing of both switches, the differences highlight various impacts on the overall sound and feel during typing. The Lucky's nylon bottom housing enhances the subdued and plush sound that typists may enjoy, contributing to a bottom-out experience that feels soft yet satisfying. Conversely, the Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing increases the clarity and sharpness of the sound when the key bottoms out, resulting in a crisper feedback that some users may prefer for a more tactile and responsive feel. This divergence makes the two switches appealing to different user preferences, as the construction materials dictate how each switch interprets the auditory aspect of typing.
Furthermore, the aesthetic qualities of the housing materials also play a significant role for users interested in customization and RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring allows for vibrant light diffusion and striking visual effects, enhancing the overall gaming or typing experience with striking lighting displays. In contrast, while nylon is less visually appetizing for RGB setups, the deeper and rounder sound produced by the Lucky can create a more intimate and cozy typing atmosphere. Ultimately, while these switches may differ in materials, the consideration of sound profiles and tactile feedback means that users can select the one that aligns with their preferences, resulting in a satisfactory typing experience irrespective of the specific housing choices.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces are apparent. The Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow switch has a heftier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push during typing. This means that the Lucky switch is generally more suitable for users seeking comfort over long durations, while the Shadow switch is ideal for those who desire tactile feedback and a more robust typing experience. Overall, if one were to choose between these two switches, the choice would depend on personal preference for force sensitivity in relation to typing endurance versus tactile satisfaction.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, the Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.2 mm difference highlights a slight preference for the Shadow switch among those who value a more pronounced keypress, as its longer distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Gamers, on the other hand, might favor the shorter 3.8 mm travel distance of the Lucky switch, as it allows for quicker response times. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more responsive feel, the Lucky switch would be more suitable, whereas the Shadow switch is ideal for those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
The sound profile of the HMX Lucky linear switch is characterized by its softer nylon housing, which contributes to a quieter and more muted experience when typing. This can create a more subdued atmosphere, appealing to those who prefer less auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Conversely, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch delivers pronounced auditory feedback with its deep, resonating "thocks," accompanied by a clacky and high-pitched sound. This switch's acoustic characteristics not only offer a sharper and more vibrant typing experience but also cater to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response. Combine this with the diversity of sound influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, and you can create a distinctly different auditory experience tailored to your preferences.
In terms of tactile feel, the Lucky switch offers a neutral typing experience; however, specific characteristics of its feel are not described here. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is known for its medium-high level of tactile feedback. With a sharp and snappy tactile bump, these switches provide a strong and crisp tactile response that can be distinctly felt with every keystroke. The addition of dual-staged springs also enhances the bouncy sensation, offering a lively rebound that makes each keypress feel more responsive and engaging. This combination of tactile feedback and responsiveness is ideal for typists who thrive on interactivity and precision in their typing experience.
Overall, while the HMX Lucky may appeal to individuals seeking a more subdued and neutral experience with softer sounds, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a vibrant and engaging feedback with its pronounced auditory and tactile qualities. Users can expect a significantly distinct typing experience between these two switches, with the Lucky promoting a quieter and smoother performance and the Shadow facilitating a pronounced, tactile journey with lively sound. Choosing between them will largely depend on personal preference for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the experience you want to achieve. If you favor a lighter actuation with an overall neutral typing feel, the HMX Lucky switch with its mere 43 grams of bottom-out force will be a fantastic choice. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a smooth, satisfying keystroke without the distraction of pronounced tactile feedback. Additionally, its softer, glittery nylon housing contributes to a pleasing aesthetic and ergonomic typing experience, making it great for both long typing sessions and casual use. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more tactile experience and appreciate pronounced feedback with a noticeable bump, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch should be your go-to. With a higher bottom-out force of 63 grams and its dual-stage spring mechanism, this switch offers a delightful "thock" sound and sharp tactile feedback that many users find invigorating. It's especially suited for typing tasks that require a more engaged feel, such as coding or gaming. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you seek the smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile excitement of a well-defined bump, paving the way for a more customized and enjoyable keyboard experience.
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