SP-Star Meteor White vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are several factors to consider, such as the level of tactility, sound profile, and type feel. Two popular options to explore are the SP-Star Meteor White, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Meteor White is known for its gentle linear feel, making it easy to push and offering a soft pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its two-staged spring design, resulting in deep, resonating thocks when typing. These switches can be categorized as having different qualities, with the Meteor White being described as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is seen as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. However, 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
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in terms of their housing materials. The Meteor White utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, the choice between these two switches will provide users with distinct sound experiences.
However, there are similarities between the two switches when it comes to their respective top and bottom housings. Both nylon and polycarbonate housings contribute to the overall sound profile but in different ways. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. In this case, both the Meteor White and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will exhibit qualities specific to their respective bottom housings. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is let go. Therefore, regardless of whether the housing material is nylon or polycarbonate, the sound characteristics when releasing a key will be determined by the top housing.
In summary, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches differ in their choice of housing materials. The Meteor White utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features polycarbonate housing for both its top and bottom, creating a sharper and crisper sound. While their housing materials may differ, both switches showcase the importance of the bottom housing for the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Meteor White's value is unavailable, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 55 grams of force for actuation. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Meteor White. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Meteor White requires 57 grams while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 63 grams. Therefore, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring more suitable as it has a lighter actuation force. The lighter actuation force allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Meteor White provides a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, which may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. The slight difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches means that users can achieve similar results in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preferences for either a lighter or heavier force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and reliable travel distance, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience. So in terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is best known for its subdued and gentle linear action. It is easy to press and provides a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. This switch offers a neutral sound with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work. Its feel can be described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is known for its medium-high level of tactility. It features a long, two-staged spring that provides strong and crisp tactile feedback with each keypress. Typing on these switches produces deep and resonating thocks, giving a deep, rich, and satisfying sound profile. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound. It also offers various qualities including being sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. These characteristics make the typing experience more intense and lively.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White switch provides a soft and neutral sound with a gentle and polished feel. It is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a strong and crisp tactile feedback with deep thocks, producing a clacky and high-pitched sound. Its feel is characterized by sharpness, accentuation, snappiness, bounciness, and a stepped sensation. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, one can choose between these switches to achieve the desired sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a soft and gentle typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Meteor White switch is a great choice. It has a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams and offers a pitter-patter sound. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the one for you. It has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams and provides a sharp and snappy clacky sound. Consider the sound profiles and tactile feedback of each switch to determine which one suits your preferences and needs. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
