Gateron Mars vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often gravitate toward options that align with their typing preferences, and two noteworthy contenders are the Gateron Mars and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch renowned for its smooth key presses, boasts an innovative design featuring a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, making it an excellent choice for those who favor fluid keystrokes and minimal resistance. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow switch offers a tactile experience enhanced by its long, two-staged spring, delivering a medium-high level of tactility combined with deep, resonating "thocks" that many typists find satisfying. While the Mars is ideal for gamers seeking quick, uninterrupted inputs and typists who prefer a seamless feel, the Shadow caters to those who appreciate a pronounced tactile response with a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Gateron Mars and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, which in turn significantly influence the sound profiles and overall typing experience of each switch. The Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, a material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a muted and rounded acoustic signature that many users appreciate for its subtlety and warmth. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and less absorbent. This characteristic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a clearer and more resonant auditory feedback. The aesthetic functionality of polycarbonate, particularly its translucency, also enhances RGB lighting effects, adding an extra layer of visual appeal to the Shadow switches.
When comparing the bottom housings of both switches, the Gateron Mars employs a POM housing, while the Aflion Shadow utilizes polycarbonate. The POM bottom housing of the Mars offers a muted sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, providing a unique auditory experience that some typists may find more satisfying. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow, characterized by its rigidity, similarly delivers a higher-pitched and more articulate sound. Despite these materials being the same in design, they serve different acoustic purposes, with POM contributing to a more muted and richer sound, whereas polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance. This difference further enhances the distinct feel and feedback each switch offers when bottoming out during usage.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Mars and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring culminate in divergent auditory experiences and tactile feedback. The nylon and POM combination of the Mars yields a deeper, rounder sound that is ideal for users seeking a more understated keypress experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Shadow create a lively, bright sound profile that makes the type feel more pronounced and dynamic. When assessing typing experience, it is crucial to recognize that the interplay between the top and bottom hosing materials greatly impacts sound. While both switches deliver unique auditory and tactile outputs, individuals can achieve a tailored experience based on their sound preferences and aesthetic desires.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Mars switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) switch requires a heavier 55 grams to initiate a keystroke. This difference makes the Mars switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue, which can be advantageous for work or extended gaming. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force. Additionally, while the Mars switch has an unknown bottom out force, the Shadow (Ink) has a bottom out force of 63 grams. This heavier bottom out force further contributes to the feeling of a more robust keystroke experience in the Shadow (Ink). Thus, if you're seeking a lighter and potentially quieter switch, the Gateron Mars might be the better option, whereas the Aflion Shadow (Ink) will appeal to those who enjoy a firmer feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Mars the shorter option, potentially suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances often enhance responsiveness. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) provides a more traditional and hearty feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced depth during key presses. Thus, the choice between these switches largely depends on individual preferences related to responsiveness versus key travel comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars switches are typically quieter and more subdued compared to their counterparts, providing a clean and smooth keystroke that minimizes noise, making them ideal for quiet environments or when you don’t want to disturb others. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches produce a deep and resonating thock when pressed, which can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback. The higher-pitched sound of the Shadow may not appeal to everyone, but it offers a distinct aural experience that sets it apart, making it more pronounced during typing.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Mars switches are known to deliver a very smooth and linear experience, lacking the tactile bump that many users look for; this makes them great for those who prefer a fluid, uninterrupted keystroke without any feedback, perfect for fast typists. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a noticeable tactile bump that is both sharp and snappy. This switch offers a more dynamic typing experience with its medium-high level of tactility, making every keystroke rewarding. The accented nature of its feedback strikes a balance that’s neither overwhelming nor underwhelming, while the bounce from its double spring delivers a lively and responsive feel.
In summary, the Gateron Mars and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches cater to different preferences. The Mars offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate linear switches without tactile feedback, while the Shadow provides a rich auditory experience coupled with a pronounced tactile sensation that many users find engaging. If you value a more muted sound and continuous keystrokes, the Mars will satisfy those needs, whereas if you lean towards tactile feedback with a satisfying sound profile, the Shadow is likely to be more enjoyable. Ultimately, both switches bring their unique qualities to the table, appealing to different types of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch depends largely on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a simple feel and sound, the Gateron Mars might be your ideal choice. This switch is particularly suitable for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming, where speed and fluidity are paramount. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to a more dynamic typing experience with defined feedback, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the better match. Its medium-high tactility, combined with a distinctive sound profile, caters well to those who appreciate a strong tactile bump alongside the captivating acoustic feedback of its sharp thocks. Whether you favor the linear smoothness of the Mars or the resonant, tactile engagement of the Shadow will ultimately dictate your selection.
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