Haimu Neo White vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique benefits for different typing preferences. The Neo White stands out for its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience with slightly reduced total travel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This allows for a more clear and resonant sound production, especially when using RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Neo White utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring uses polycarbonate for a similar sound profile as the top housing. While both keyboards offer a clear and aesthetically pleasing appearance, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing will impact the overall sound experience when typing.
In terms of sound quality, the nylon bottom housing of the Neo White creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. This difference in material contributes to the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite both keyboards featuring a polycarbonate top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Haimu Neo White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring housing materials ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback. While both keyboards offer a clear and resonant sound due to the polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Neo White provides a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. This difference in material composition allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it becomes evident that the Neo White has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the 55 grams actuation force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Neo White requiring 58 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring needing 63 grams. This means that while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may provide a slightly heavier initial push, both switches ultimately offer a medium level of force when bottoming out. Depending on personal preference, the Neo White may be more preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial push when typing. Ultimately, the weight of the force required for typing is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a keyboard switch, as it can greatly impact typing comfort and efficiency.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on individual preferences, with the Neo White being the shorter option and the Shadow (Ink) being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
When it comes to sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp, crisp sound when pressed. The deep, resonating thocks from the Shadow switch add to the overall auditory experience, providing a unique typing sound that stands out.
In terms of feel, the Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience with a smooth actuation and a slightly reduced total travel, making each keystroke smooth and satisfying. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a sharp and accented tactile bump with a bouncy and snappy feel. The two-staged spring in the Shadow switch adds to the tactile feedback intensity, providing a distinct tactile response with each keypress.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. While the Neo White switch provides a neutral sound and a mild typing experience, the Shadow switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a sharp and bouncy tactile feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: choose the Neo White if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a smooth actuation and a slightly reduced total travel for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, characterized by a two-staged spring that provides a deep and resonating typing sound. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for a smooth linear feel with the Neo White or a sharp and tactile experience with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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