Gateron Melodic vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring stand out as prime options for users seeking either clicky or tactile feedback. The Gateron Melodic is praised for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, ensuring a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a very approachable tactility for users. While the Melodic is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is known as 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches. The similarities in their top housing materials mean that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual effects.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile similar to that of the top housing material. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the performance of a switch, it is important to recognize how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, affecting the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, adding to the overall auditory feedback of the switch. By understanding the role of each housing material, users can better appreciate how these components contribute to the unique characteristics of the Gateron Melodic and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Gateron Melodic has an actuation force of None grams, making it light and easy to type with, while its bottom out force is 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has an actuation force of 48 grams, slightly heavier than the Melodic, and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Melodic. The Melodic switch offers a smoother typing experience with a more pronounced bottom out force, while the Shadow (Ink) switch provides a lighter actuation force but still maintains a medium-light resistance overall. This means that while typing on the Melodic would feel slightly heavier, the Shadow (Ink) would offer a lighter touch without sacrificing too much in terms of resistance. Both switches provide a good balance of actuation and bottom out forces to cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches provide a consistent key press experience in terms of travel distance. When comparing the two switches, it can be noted that their travel distances are equal, allowing for similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. Both switches offer a standard travel distance, making them suitable choices for users who prefer a specific travel distance for their typing or gaming needs. Overall, the travel distance of the Melodic and Shadow switches are identical, offering a similar tactile experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single 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) Single 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 Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and sharp auditory feedback reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch provides a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring users can enjoy a personalized typing experience based on their sound preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is known for its buttery and invigorating typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a bouncy typing sensation, with spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. Both switches excel in offering tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience, catering to users who prefer different levels of key resistance and feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a deep thocky sound and a bouncy typing sensation. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, ensuring users can find the perfect switch for their typing needs. If the desired outcome is similar sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience based on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Gateron Melodic is the way to go. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lower actuation and bottom-out force for a softer tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch with 55 grams bottom out force is a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preference for sound and feel.
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