Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Moyu Black is known for its sharp tactile feel, thanks to a strong downstroke and an even sharper upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. With a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt bottom-out, this switch offers a distinctive and impactful typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility, making it approachable for users who prefer a less pronounced tactile feel. It also boasts a deep and thocky sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities, providing users with different options based on their preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring differ in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Moyu Black utilizes PBT, which provides a neutral sound profile. It neither offers a crisp nor a dull sound, resulting in a balanced auditory experience. However, the Shadow Single Spring features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate amplifies the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While the top housings differ, the bottom housings of both switches share a similar PBT material. Consequently, the bottom housings contribute to a similar neutral sound profile and a balanced auditory experience for both the Moyu Black and the Shadow Single Spring. The PBT material is not extreme in its sound characteristics, neither being crisp nor dull.
It is important to note that when using these switches, the differences in their top and bottom housings will manifest in distinct experiences when pressing down and releasing keys. The bottom housing's qualities will be more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the tactile experience upon pressing a key. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, influencing the auditory output during the key lift-off.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The Moyu Black has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Shadow's 48 grams, making it marginally heavier to trigger keystrokes. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Moyu Black is 67 grams, surpassing the Shadow's 55 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience with the former. Ultimately, if one prefers a lighter touch for longer typing periods or extended gaming sessions, the Shadow would be a suitable choice. However, for those seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Moyu Black would be a better option. Both switches fall within the medium range, ensuring that users will experience a satisfying tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of the distance they travel from the top to the bottom. This means that users will get similar results when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. However, it's important to note that the travel distance is just one aspect to consider when choosing a switch, as there may be other factors such as actuation force or smoothness that differentiate these two switches.
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) 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
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is best known for its sharp tactile feel. These switches have a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, which contributes to a rare and premium typing experience. The Moyu Blacks feature a strong downstroke tactile bump, but what sets them apart is 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. With their medium-heavy feel and an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, these switches offer a distinctive and impactful typing experience.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. These switches have a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a more approachable tactile experience. They also feature a deep and thocky sound profile, which can contribute to a satisfying typing sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In conclusion, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Moyu Blacks provide a sharp and hypertactile feel, with a distinctive sound profile characterized by a satisfyingly sharp and punchy sound on the downstroke. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) switches offer a medium level of tactility and a deep thocky sound profile. Depending on personal preference, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you're looking for a similar level of tactility with a different sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring could be a good alternative to the Everglide Moyu Black.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
If you are someone who enjoys a distinctive and impactful typing experience, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches with their medium-heavy feel and sharp tactile feedback would be a great choice for you. The unique blend of PBT housing enhances the premium typing experience, and the even sharper and stronger upstroke bump creates a hypertactile sensation. Additionally, the Moyu Blacks produce a satisfyingly sharp, snappy, and punchy sound when typing, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more approachable tactility and a lower actuation force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches would be a better fit. With a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, these switches provide a comfortable typing experience. They also offer a bouncy feel, giving you a spring-like feedback sensation and a lively keypress.
Considering the sound profile, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are known for their resonant sound, which is higher-pitched and clean. Unfortunately, no specific information is available regarding the sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches.
In terms of feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are described as accented and sharp, providing a medium level of tactility with a strong and crisp tactile bump. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with a lively rebound when pressed.
Ultimately, it's important to consider your personal preferences regarding key feel, sound profile, and typing experience when making a decision between these two switches. Weighing the features and characteristics described above, you can make an informed choice based on what suits your needs and enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
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