Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) 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 options that may catch your attention are the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Moyu Blacks are known for their sharp tactile feel and premium typing experience, thanks to a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing. With a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, these switches create a hypertactile sensation. The satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound produced during typing adds to the distinctive and impactful typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect for those seeking a medium-high level of tactility. These switches feature a long, two-staged spring that enhances the tactile feedback. Typing on the Shadow switches results in deep, resonating thocks, which add an additional layer of satisfaction. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in their choice of housing materials. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top and bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. In terms of sound profile, the PBT housing of the Moyu Black offers a neutral sound, neither crisp nor dull. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow Double Spring creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow Double Spring allows for enhanced aesthetics when using RGB lighting as it is translucent.
When comparing the bottom housing of both switches, the PBT and polycarbonate materials continue to display their distinct characteristics. The PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black offers a neutral sound, maintaining consistency with its top housing. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow Double Spring contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As with the top housing, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switch, particularly when combined with RGB lighting.
It is important to note how the housing materials of these switches distribute their qualities. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. In terms of similarities, both switches aim to provide a neutral sound profile with their respective top and bottom PBT housings. However, the Shadow Double Spring, with its polycarbonate housing, offers a sharper and more resonant sound in both the top and bottom housings. Overall, the choice of housing materials in these switches contributes to their unique sound profiles and aesthetic characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, some noticeable differences can be observed. The Moyu Black has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams, making the Moyu Black slightly easier to activate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Moyu Black requires a heavier force of 67 grams as opposed to the Shadow's 63 grams. This means that while the Moyu Black may be easier to trigger, it provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Therefore, if someone prefers a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Moyu Black would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience would lean towards the Shadow, which has a slightly heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent and similar experience when it comes to the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Whether typing on the Moyu Black or the Shadow Double Spring, users can expect the same tactile feedback and key travel distance. Thus, both switches offer equal levels of comfort and precision with their travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is known for its sharp and distinctive tactile feel. It features a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. When typing, the downstroke bump produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound. The Moyu Blacks have a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, providing a distinctive and impactful typing experience.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a medium-high level of tactility. It features a long, two-staged spring which contributes to its sharp and crisp tactile bump. When typing on these switches, you can expect deep, resonating thocks, creating a clacky and high-pitched sound profile.
In conclusion, while both switches offer a sharp and crisp tactile feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a more hypertactile experience with its stronger upstroke bump and accentuated bottom-out. The sound profile of the Moyu Black is resonant and punchy, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) produces clacky and high-pitched thocks. Depending on personal preference, the Moyu Black may be preferred for those seeking a sharper and more impactful typing experience, while the Aflion Shadow may appeal to those who enjoy a slightly softer and clackier sound. Overall, both switches will provide a satisfying tactile experience with their prominent bumps and distinctive sound profiles.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a sharp and impactful tactility, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be a great choice. With its strong downstroke and even sharper upstroke bumps, these switches provide a distinctive and hypertactile typing experience. The Moyu Blacks also offer a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt bottom-out, giving you a premium and satisfying typing sensation. In terms of sound, they produce a resonant and clean profile, adding to the immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch would be a suitable option. These switches feature a long, two-staged spring that provides strong and crisp tactile feedback with each keypress. The Shadow switches also offer deep and resonating thocks, resulting in a clacky and bright sound profile.
Ultimately, your choice between the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches depends on your preference for tactility and sound. If you desire a sharper and more impactful tactile feel with a resonant sound, the Moyu Blacks are the way to go. However, if you prefer a more medium-high level of tactility with clacky and high-pitched sound, the Shadow switches would be a better fit. Consider your typing preferences and auditory preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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