Cherry MX Red vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences that cater to different typing preferences. The MX Red is revered for its linear feel and deep sound profile, providing a robust typing experience for those who prefer a slightly heftier keypress. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a tactile typing experience with a medium level of tactility, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bouncier keypress. While both switches have their own unique characteristics that make them appealing, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, it is evident that they differ in terms of material composition and resulting sound profiles. The MX Red uses a nylon top and bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of polycarbonate's stiffer properties. While both materials have their unique qualities, users can expect a more resonant sound from the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring compared to the nylon housing of the MX Red.
Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of the housing materials also differs between the switches. The clear polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall visual experience for users who prioritize customization and lighting effects. In contrast, the opaque nature of the nylon housing in the Cherry MX Red may not allow for as vibrant a lighting display. This distinction in housing materials offers users the opportunity to choose a switch based on their desired visual aesthetic in addition to sound preferences.
While the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles, both switches ultimately provide a unique typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the deeper sound profile of nylon or the crisper sound profile of polycarbonate, both switches offer a tactile feel that can enhance your typing or gaming experience. Additionally, the choice between the two materials can also come down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics, with the translucent polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offering a visually striking option for users looking to customize their keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 48 grams of the Shadow (Ink) switch. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but the Aflion Shadow (Ink) switch is noted to have a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the MX Red may be easier to activate with a lighter touch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter touch of the MX Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier push feel of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) switch for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches on travel distance, it can be said that both switches offer the same tactile experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Cherry MX Red or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switches. Overall, both switches provide a consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, giving a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a rich and pleasing tone while typing. Both switches offer a pleasant sound experience, making them suitable choices for users who enjoy a more immersive typing environment. It is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red switch is recognized for its slightly textured feel, which adds a level of tactility to each key press. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer different levels of feedback and response when typing. Whether you prefer a textured feel with the MX Red or a bouncy sensation with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch provide distinct qualities that appeal to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the MX Red offers a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch delivers a medium level of tactility and a thocky sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for feel and sound, but rest assured that both switches will provide a reliable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who enjoys a smooth and linear typing experience with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility that offers a lower actuation and bottom-out force, along with a deep and thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is the way to go. Consider your typing preferences and priorities in terms of feel and sound when making your decision between these two excellent switch options.
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