Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics and tactile feedback of different options. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, renowned for their refined tactile experience, deliver a short, medium-strength bump that appeals to those who appreciate a precise and controlled keystroke, making them highly suitable for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a more pronounced tactile experience with their medium-high tactility. The double-spring mechanism offers an engaging feel, resulting in deep, resonating "thocks" with each key press that caters to users who enjoy a more acoustic feedback when typing. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB is favored for its balanced feedback and RGB compatibility, the Shadow switches stand out with their distinctive auditory profile and bouncier feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Purple RGB and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring feature distinctly different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. The MX Purple RGB employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, characterized by its stiffer composition. This leads to a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile, producing more clarity and resonance during use. When it comes to aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making it particularly suitable for those who prioritize visual customization alongside auditory feedback.
Both switches demonstrate the relationship between housing materials and sound output, though the contrasting properties yield varied experiences. The nylon housing of the MX Purple RGB provides a muted sound that's ideal for users who favor a quieter typing experience. This characteristic is particularly appreciated in environments where noise may be disruptive. Conversely, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate housing promotes a sharper audio feedback, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sound and a lively typing experience. This resonant quality can also heighten the tactile feedback of each key press, appealing to gamers and typists seeking greater responsiveness.
Despite the differences in materials, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in each switch creates a balanced typing experience. In the case of the MX Purple RGB, while the nylon contributes to the softer sound on key press and release, the polycarbonate of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring enhances auditory clarity similarly. The bottom housing generally influences the bottom-out sound, while the top housing's material affects the sound upon release of the key. Thus, while the switches create different acoustic profiles due to their respective materials, a combination of the two offers a nuanced typing experience that reflects the unique properties of each housing, catering to users’ varied preferences and aesthetic choices.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger push feel. The bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring boasts a bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating that it will require more effort to press the key all the way down compared to the Cherry switch. Overall, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the lighter option, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the heavier choice, appealing to different user preferences in terms of keyboard feel and force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch both share an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This similarity in travel distance can result in comparable tactile feedback and keystroke performance, providing a consistent typing experience across both options. Thus, for individuals seeking uniformity in key actuation, choosing between these two switches will yield similar results due to their equal travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a refined auditory experience that complements its tactile nature nicely, leading to a pleasing balance without being overly loud or disruptive. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized by deep, resonating thocks, producing a clacky sound that is both sharp and percussive. The high-pitched aspect of the Shadow switch provides an auditory pop that can be particularly satisfying for users who enjoy a crisp, bright sound. Therefore, while both switches deliver an enjoyable auditory profile, the Shadow switch stands out with a more dynamic and pronounced sound, potentially making it more suitable for those who favor a clackier typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a medium-strength tactile bump that is well-refined, providing a smooth experience without overwhelming the typist. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch boasts a medium-high level of tactility combined with a sharp and snappy response due to its dual-staged spring design. This switch allows for a lively typing experience characterized by a bouncy feedback sensation and prominent tactile cues. Users can expect a clear distinction between keypresses with the Shadow, highlighting its more intense feedback compared to the Cherry MX Purple RGB, which may feel milder in comparison to the Shadow's pronounced features.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer distinct experiences tailored for different preferences. The MX Purple RGB focuses on refined tactility with a balanced sound profile, making it suitable for users who appreciate a smoother typing experience. Conversely, the Shadow switch excels in delivering a more dynamic and tactile feedback, characterized by its clacky sound and lively feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more controlled auditory experience and refined tactility or a clacky sound and enhanced tactile response.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a refined tactile experience that strikes a balance with a medium-strength bump, along with the benefit of RGB compatibility for a more vibrant aesthetic, then the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent choice. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a tactile feel without overwhelming feedback and who may frequently enjoy gaming or typing in a visually dynamic environment. On the other hand, if you crave a more pronounced tactile experience rooted in deeper acoustic feedback, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is your best bet. Its long, two-staged spring provides a medium to high level of tactility and produces a clacky, vibrant sound that many typists find satisfying. This switch is well-suited for individuals who relish a sharp and snappy response with a liveliness that enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel energetic and engaging. Thus, think about what aspects—be it tactile feedback, sound profile, or aesthetic appeal—are most significant to you as you make your selection.
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