Cherry MX Orange vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Cherry MX Orange and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Cherry MX Orange, renowned for its smooth linear action, has been revived to meet high demand, offering a quiet and consistent keypress that many users appreciate for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring presents a tactile experience with a notable bump, providing a medium-high level of tactility along with deep, resonant thocks that many enthusiasts find satisfying. While the MX Orange appeals to those who prefer a more fluid, uninterrupted keystroke, the Shadow switch caters to users seeking a more dynamic and responsive typing experience with its pronounced feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, a distinct contrast emerges between the types of plastics used. The Cherry MX Orange employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This classic material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with its softer nature absorbing vibrations and leading to a sound that is more rounded and muted. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) utilizes polycarbonate for its housings—both top and bottom—which produces a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The stiffer characteristic of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, thus creating a sharper auditory experience. The use of polycarbonate also serves an aesthetic purpose, as its translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects that enhance visual appeal.

The differences in sound profiles between the two switches can also be attributed to how each material affects the overall typing experience. The nylon housings of the Cherry MX Orange help to create a more subdued auditory feedback, which many users may find comforting for extended typing sessions. This contrasts sharply with the more aggressive sound profile produced by the polycarbonate materials in the Aflion Shadow, which amplifies the sound of keystrokes for those seeking an assertive acoustic response. Furthermore, each material distinctively contributes to the feel of the switch; while the nylon allows for a softer bottom-out feel, giving a sense of cushion, polycarbonate's rigidity introduces a more tactile and pronounced feedback at the bottom of each key press.

In terms of performance, both switches can achieve satisfactory results depending on user preference. If one appreciates a deeper sound profile and a softer feel, the Cherry MX Orange would be ideal. Alternatively, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) would appeal to those who prefer sharp and crisp auditory feedback, enhanced by bright RGB lighting. Ultimately, although the housing materials differ significantly, both switches cater to varying typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their desired auditory and tactile experience. Whether opting for the fullness of nylon or the clarity of polycarbonate, each switch offers unique benefits that users can appreciate in different contexts.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it’s clear that both have the same actuation force of 55 grams, offering a similar keystroke experience in that regard. However, the contrast arises with the bottom out force, where the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring necessitates a bottom out force of 63 grams, highlighting that this switch provides a more substantial feel at the end of the keystroke. While the actuation force is identical, users can expect a heavier overall feel with the Aflion Shadow due to its bottom out force, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more tactile and robust typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, with an unspecified bottom out force, may offer a slightly lighter overall experience, which could be favorable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Thus, for users who appreciate lighter switches, the Cherry MX Orange may be preferred, while those seeking a firmer touch might lean towards the Aflion Shadow.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable keypress experience in terms of the distance the switches travel when pressed, thereby providing a consistent tactile feedback. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users will likely get similar results in terms of the physical sensation and actuation, allowing for an equally responsive typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switches offer a relatively muted experience, which makes them suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Meanwhile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch stands in contrast with its pronounced acoustics, producing deep, resonating thocks that offer a satisfying auditory feedback. The Aflion switch can be described as clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile that might be more appealing to those who enjoy a more dynamically expressive sound when typing. However, keep in mind that the sound profile of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard case and keycap materials you choose to pair with them.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Orange switches provide a smooth and linear experience that many users appreciate for its consistency. This lack of tactile bump allows for a fluid keystroke but may not offer the distinct feedback sought by tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are packed with character, featuring a medium-high level of tactility characterized by a sharp, snappy bump that's quite pronounced without being overwhelming. The dual-staged spring enhances the overall responsiveness, providing a bouncy feel that can make typing feel more engaging and lively. This tactile response is accentuated by a stepped sensation that allows for a more nuanced typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a rhythmic feedback with each keystroke.

In conclusion, if you’re weighing the Cherry MX Orange against the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you’ll find that the Cherry switch leans toward a quieter, linear typing experience, whereas the Aflion switch textures your typing with a richer and more tactile sensation, complemented by resonant auditory feedback. Your choice ultimately depends on your preference for sound and feel; the Cherry MX Orange suits a stealthier environment while the Aflion Shadow is ideal for creating an engaging and responsive typing experience. Both switches excel in their respective categories, so you'll find rewarding outcomes by selecting one that aligns with your personal typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch should be guided by your typing preferences and what you seek in a tactile feel and sound. If you favor a smoother, quieter typing experience with a more subdued tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Orange switch may be the ideal choice for you. These switches excel in environments where you might want to minimize noise, such as an office, and they provide a straightforward linear feel that allows for swift keystrokes without the distraction of a pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, if you find joy in a more tactile feedback, with a pronounced mid-range thock sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be your go-to option. These switches deliver a lively typing experience, characterized by sharper response and a medium-high level of tactility, perfect for those who appreciate a more interactive feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should take into account how you want your keyboard to enhance your overall experience, whether through subtlety and fluidity or through tactile satisfaction and pronounced sound.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn more