Durock Medium Tactile vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Durock Medium Tactile is renowned for its unique and balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. In addition, it emits a distinct jelly-like sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches results in deep, resonating thocks. While these general characteristics may help you in your decision-making process, let's dive deeper into the specific qualities of each switch to help you choose the best one for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share many similarities. Both switches feature a top housing made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, adding a visually pleasing element to the switches.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can create a more muffled typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a quieter switch.
On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the switch maintains the same sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile throughout. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the bottom housing contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making each keystroke feel precise and satisfying.
In summary, the Medium Tactile and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share similar top housings made of polycarbonate, resulting in sharp and crisp sound profiles. However, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the same clear and resonant sound profile as the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches, we can see some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile is currently unavailable, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Aflion switch requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Durock switch. However, both switches have relatively similar bottom out forces, with the Durock Medium Tactile having a bottom out force of 65 grams and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring having a slightly lower bottom out force of 63 grams. In terms of weight, the Durock switch can be considered heavier due to its higher bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion switch offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who need to type for longer periods of time. Overall, while the actuation forces differ slightly, both switches provide a medium level of force for bottoming out, ensuring a satisfying and consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its jelly-like sound signature. Unfortunately, there is no specific information provided on the sound characteristics of the Medium Tactile switch. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as producing deep, resonating thocks when typing. Additionally, it is noted to have a clacky sound, which is sharp, crisp, bright, and percussive. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is also described as being high-pitched, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Overall, while the sound qualities of the Medium Tactile switch are not explicitly mentioned, it can be assumed that it may provide a unique and jelly-like sound experience, similar to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch's resonating thocks.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as providing a pronounced yet balanced tactility. It is considered an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is categorized as a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages to its tactility and may offer some pre-travel and/or post-travel feedback. The Medium Tactile switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. It is also noted to be polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, it is also considered an accented switch, providing a prominent level of tactility without being overwhelming. It is described as sharp, offering a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump. The switch is also noted to be snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience, likely due to longer or dual-staged springs. It is categorized as a bouncy switch, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Like the Medium Tactile switch, it is also described as stepped, providing a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel feedback. Overall, both switches offer pronounced tactility and unique characteristics, with the Medium Tactile switch leaning towards a milder and more polished feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers sharper and snappier feedback.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer distinctive tactility. While the specific sound qualities of the Medium Tactile switch are not mentioned, it can be assumed to have a jelly-like sound signature, similar to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch's deep, resonating thocks. In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile switch provides balanced tactility, falls within a milder range, and offers a polished typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharper and crisper tactility with high feedback intensity, along with a bouncy and snappy typing experience. Overall, both switches have their own unique characteristics and would appeal to tactile switch enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, this switch provides a tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, its polished finish ensures a smooth typing experience with reduced friction. 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 perfect for you. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, this switch features a sharp and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Its longer, two-staged spring provides a snappy and responsive typing experience. Keep in mind that these switches produce different sounds, with the Medium Tactile having a jelly-like sound signature and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offering a clacky, high-pitched sound. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactility, sound, and overall typing experience.
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