Cherry MX Brown vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown 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 stand out are the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, also a tactile switch. The Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtle and gentle typing experience, with light tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a medium-high level of tactility with the help of its long, two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches produces deep and resonating thocks, adding to the overall typing experience. While these general characteristics can help you decide which switch might suit your preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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 dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in their housing materials, with the MX Brown featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is transparent, making it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
When comparing the top housing of these switches, the nylon housing of the MX Brown absorbs more sound, leading to a dulled and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a clearer and resonant sound, thanks to its stiffness. Additionally, the transparency of the polycarbonate allows for enhanced visual effects when RGB lighting is incorporated.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the nylon housing of the MX Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound experience, as it absorbs more sound when the key is bottomed out. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound upon bottoming out. The clear polycarbonate housing also aligns with the switch's overall aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for those interested in visual customization.
In conclusion, the contrasting housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring result in different sound profiles and visual aesthetics. While the MX Brown's nylon housing offers a deeper and rounder sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a sharper and crisper sound experience. Aesthetically, the transparent polycarbonate housing is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts. However, both switches share the characteristic of having a softer plastic for top and bottom housings, which results in an enhanced typing experience and a fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The MX Brown switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 55 grams to trigger a key press. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the MX Brown at 55 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring at 63 grams. This means that the MX Brown is lighter in both categories compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Brown would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, especially during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Therefore, those seeking a more robust typing experience should opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch.
Although the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, individuals seeking a similar result can still find satisfaction in both options. The medium-light actuation and bottom out forces of the MX Brown provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, while the medium actuation and bottom out forces of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Whether you prefer the Cherry MX Brown or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, ensuring a satisfying tactile feedback when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Brown 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
The Cherry MX Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have distinct subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The MX Brown switches offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. The sound produced by MX Brown switches is best described as bassy and low-pitched, characterized by a deeper and richer tone resembling bass tones. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a medium-high level of tactility with a long, two-staged spring. When typing on these switches, you can expect deep, resonating thocks. The sound produced by the Shadow switches can be described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp tone. As with any switch, the sound can be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the MX Brown switches are known for their subtle texture, which may provide noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this slight texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have several descriptors for their feel. They are classified as sharp tactile switches with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Additionally, they are considered accented switches, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches are also known to be snappy and bouncy, offering a super responsive and spring-like feel with a lively rebound when pressed. Lastly, they can be described as stepped switches, providing a mild two-stage tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Based on the available information, the MX Brown switches offer a subtler typing experience with a light feel and bassy, low-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a higher level of tactility with a variety of tactile sensations, including sharpness, accentuation, snappiness, and bounciness. The sound produced by the Shadow switches is clacky and high-pitched. While the two switches have different characteristics, if you enjoy a tactile switch with medium-high tactility, you can achieve similar results with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches. And similarly, if you prefer a lighter tactile experience, the MX Brown switches would offer a comparable feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, and offer a subtle and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch would be perfect. These switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is also medium. In terms of sound, the MX Brown has a bassy and low-pitched profile, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the MX Brown is textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, on the other hand, offers a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel, making each keypress feel distinct and lively. Consider these factors when choosing between the two switches to find the one that best suits your preferences.
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