KTT Miaowu vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it's important to note their distinct qualities. The Miaowu is praised for its smooth keystroke action and stability, thanks to KTT's latest molds and the use of POK in its stem, giving it a bouncy and clacky feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring stands out for its medium-high tactility provided by its unique two-staged spring design, offering deep and resonating thocks while typing. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, the Shadow switch provides a different typing experience compared to the Miaowu. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, it's essential to delve deeper into the nuances of each switch to determine the best fit for your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Miaowu and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully. However, the Miaowu differs from the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring in terms of their bottom housing material. The Miaowu utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both switches share the same material for their top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Miaowu offers a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, which may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature that enhances clarity and resonance. Depending on personal preference, users may gravitate towards one switch over the other based on the sound profile they prefer.
In terms of design and functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in the overall typing experience. The qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, influencing the sound and feel in different ways. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities allows for a nuanced typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences based on the desired sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is clear that the Miaowu is lighter while the Shadow is heavier. The Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Shadow Double Spring switch boasts a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying forces, with the Miaowu being lighter and the Shadow being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Miaowu has a shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Miaowu provides a quicker and more responsive feel, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a deeper press, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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, both the KTT Miaowu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This means that you can expect a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when typing on either of these switches. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch also offers a high-pitched sound profile, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a sharper and crisper typing experience. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Miaowu is described as "bouncy," providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation. This results in a lively feel with rebound when the keys are pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharp tactile bump, giving a high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with every keypress. It is also described as "accented," providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Additionally, the switch is noted for being snappy and responsive due to its longer or dual-staged springs, giving a more lively typing experience.
Taking all available information into consideration, both the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Miaowu switch provides a bouncy and lively feel with a clacky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharper and more accentuated tactile feedback along with a high-pitched sound. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve different typing experiences with these switches. If you prefer a more responsive and lively typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch may be the better option for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and smoother keystroke action, the Miaowu may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a unique double-spring design for added feedback, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch could be the ideal option. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile, both switches offer this characteristic, but the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring also provides a high-pitched sound that adds another dimension to the typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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