KTT Matcha vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring are both tactile switches that offer unique features and characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Matcha switch is renowned for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, users can expect a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a medium-high level of tactility, ideal for those seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback. With its long, two-staged spring, this switch produces deep and resonating thocks during typing sessions. Both switches have their own distinct qualities, making it crucial to delve deeper into their specifics to determine which one best suits individual preferences. Ultimately, understanding these switches' unique attributes will enable you to make an informed decision and choose the perfect switch for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have similar housing materials in both their top and bottom housings. They both feature polycarbonate material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches have clear housings, making them perfect for incorporating RGB lighting.
Due to their shared polycarbonate material, both the KTT Matcha and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will deliver similar sound profiles. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the switch, enhancing the bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, when releasing a key, the top housing's impact on sound will be comparable in both switches.
While the housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch are the same for both the KTT Matcha and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, their impact may differ slightly. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down, while the top housing predominantly affects the sound when releasing a key. However, overall, the use of polycarbonate in both housings ensures a similar overall sound profile in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Matcha boasts a relatively lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial push feel during typing.
Moving to the bottom out force, the Matcha requires 45 grams of force for a complete press, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch demands a higher force of 63 grams. Consequently, the Matcha offers a lighter key press experience overall compared to the heavier and more substantial bottom out of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
Considerations for weight are crucial as it can significantly impact typing experiences. Those who prefer a lighter key press may opt for the Matcha, allowing them to type effortlessly for extended periods. This lighter choice is particularly beneficial for individuals utilizing keyboards for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
While the Matcha and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer distinct differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, it is important to note that both switches have their merits. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the preference of the user, whether they prioritize a lighter touch for prolonged typing or a heavier push for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. With both switches offering the same travel distance, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Thus, the travel distance of these switches is equal, providing a comparable user experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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, both the KTT Matcha and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing. However, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is also described as high-pitched, which means it produces a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Matcha. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Shadow switch may be the better choice for you.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha switch offers a stepped sensation, providing a mild tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also described as snappy, which means it is super responsive due to its longer or dual-staged springs. The Matcha switch is considered an accented switch, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is feathery, meaning it has an exceptionally light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is also described as stepped, providing a similar mild tactile feel. It is deemed sharp, offering a high feedback intensity with a distinct and crisp tactile bump. Like the Matcha, it is also considered an accented switch and is snappy, resulting in a responsive typing experience. Furthermore, the Shadow switch is bouncy, providing a spring-like and lively feedback sensation.
Considering all available information, both the KTT Matcha and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer desirable qualities for tactile switch enthusiasts. They both produce a clacky sound, which is crisp and percussive, satisfying those looking for a sharp auditory experience. In terms of feel, they offer similar stepped sensations, providing a mild tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Both switches are considered snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. Additionally, they are both accented switches, offering a medium level of tactility that is prominent without being overwhelming or subtle. However, the Matcha switch is feathery, providing a lighter actuation force and reducing finger fatigue, while the Shadow switch is bouncy, offering a lively rebound when pressed. With these similarities and slight differences, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel when using either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound profile and the specific tactile feel you desire.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light bottom out force and a comfortable, snappy tactility, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is a great choice. It offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound and is described as clacky in terms of sound. The Matcha switch provides a stepped feel with some pre-travel and post-travel, and it is also described as snappy and feathery, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the way to go. These switches are known for their deep, resonating thocks when typing, and they are described as clacky and high-pitched in terms of sound. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharp and crisp tactile bump, giving a strong feedback intensity. It provides a snappy and bouncy feel with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, and like the Matcha switch, it also offers a stepped feel.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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