Cherry MX Black vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, you'll want to carefully consider your typing preferences and desired experience. Two popular options to explore are the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch. The MX Black, known for its iconic status, has been refined by Cherry with their new Hyperglide tooling, resulting in a textured smoothness and a familiar deep sound profile. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', and 'Stiff', these switches provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring from Aflion is a great choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this variant delivers an approachable tactility and produces a deep and thocky sound profile. Categorized as 'Bouncy', these switches offer a unique typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer distinct differences. The MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic composition allows for more sound absorption, creating a dulled and rounder sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
While the top housings differ between the MX Black and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, the bottom housings also showcase contrasting characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Black offers a similar deeper and fuller sound profile as its top housing due to its softer plastic nature and enhanced sound absorption. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, providing a more clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting, making it a desirable choice for the housing material.
When it comes to the pressing and releasing of keys, the choice of housing material becomes even more crucial. With a switch featuring different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be divided between the bottom and top of the switch. When depressing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel experienced by the user. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, the distinct characteristics of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch contribute to the overall sound experience and tactile feedback during typing or gaming.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences. The MX Black has a relatively heavy actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it easier to initiate a keystroke.
Similarly, the bottom out force of the MX Black is heavier at 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, creating a slightly softer and more comfortable typing experience.
It is worth mentioning that both switches have distinct advantages based on personal preferences. For individuals who prioritize lighter weight to ensure longer typing sessions, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be a suitable choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial and satisfying typing experience may opt for the MX Black, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In conclusion, the MX Black linear switch is noticeably heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch. However, personal preferences play a significant role in the choice of a switch, so those seeking similar results can assess their weight preferences and select accordingly.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience in terms of the physical feedback you receive when pressing the keys. Whether you opt for the Cherry MX Black or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 MX Black is known for its low-pitched profile. These switches offer a deep and mellow tone, with a bass-heavy sound that adds a satisfying auditory experience to your typing. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the MX Black is described as textured and stiff. The use of Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling provides a classic textured smoothness, which some users prefer for enhanced feedback while typing. However, this also means that there is noticeable friction when pressing these switches. Additionally, MX Black switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, which can contribute to a more deliberate and deliberate typing experience.
On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy. This tactile switch variant from Aflion offers a medium level of tactility, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel, offering a bit of rebound when pressed. Unfortunately, there is no further information available about the feel or specific force requirements of these switches.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer different subjective qualities. The MX Black provides a deep and mellow low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured and stiff feel that may appeal to users who prefer enhanced feedback and a deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a bouncy and tactile experience, with a lower actuation and bottom-out force for a more approachable tactility. It's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches. However, for those seeking a similar deep sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch may provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier switch with a deep sound profile and a textured and stiff feel, the MX Black is a great choice. Its heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams provides a more demanding typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a medium level of tactility and a bouncy feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is an excellent option. With its lower bottom-out force of 55 grams, it offers a more approachable tactility and a thocky sound profile. Ultimately, it's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and personal typing preferences when selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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