Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offer two distinct options to consider. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that provides a slightly heftier feel compared to the MX Red, but the key difference lies in its silent operation, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch known for its medium level of tactility and approachable feel, with a deep and thocky sound profile. While the MX Silent Red offers a quieter typing experience, the Aflion Shadow switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, it is evident that they both offer distinct characteristics. The MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red produces a duller and rounder sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting effects.
Furthermore, the bottom housing of the MX Silent Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring also showcase differences in material composition. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Silent Red, similar to its top housing, absorbs more sound and generates a deeper sound profile. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, enhancing the overall sound experience. This disparity in bottom housing material reflects in the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch, further emphasizing the importance of housing material in determining the sound profile of mechanical keyboards.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both offer unique sound profiles attributed to their housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of their impact on the typing experience. The differences in housing materials, whether nylon or polycarbonate, affect the sound profile of each switch, with the softer nylon producing a rounder sound in the MX Silent Red and the stiffer polycarbonate creating a crisp sound in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Ultimately, the material composition of the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we can see that the MX Silent Red is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Shadow's 48 grams. On the other hand, the Shadow requires a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the MX Silent Red may appeal to those looking for a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Shadow could provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Both switches have their advantages, with the MX Silent Red offering a lighter touch for longer typing sessions and the Shadow providing a more tactile and feedback-rich typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.3 mm may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a more subtle press or a quicker response time, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the better option. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, creating a quieter environment suitable for noise-sensitive situations. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch produces a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Depending on personal preference, the Silent Red will offer a quieter typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring will give a more pronounced and rich sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured feel, potentially offering a slight amount of friction when pressed. This adds a tactile element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a sense of liveliness and rebound to each keystroke. The choice between a slightly textured feel or a bouncy sensation will depend on individual typing preferences.
When considering all available information, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with a textured feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a deep, thocky sound profile and a bouncy tactile sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with both switches providing a high-quality typing experience tailored to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider the environment you'll be using the keyboard in and your preference for sound and feel. If you require a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive setting, the MX Silent Red is a great choice with its muted, thocky, low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a bouncy feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is the way to go. Ultimately, choose the switch that best suits your typing needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
