Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct characteristics are the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Oil King is well-known for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that evokes the satisfying snap of breaking a piece of dark chocolate. With its low-pitched, creamy, and polished attributes, the Oil King switch provides a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch boasts a medium-high level of tactility, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a tactile feel while typing. The unique two-staged spring of the Shadow switch delivers deep, resonating thocks, adding an extra level of satisfaction to each keystroke. With its clacky, high-pitched, and sharp characteristics, the Shadow switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in terms of their housing materials. The Oil King uses a nylon top housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. It also has the advantage of being translucent, making it perfect for incorporating RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Oil King utilizes its proprietary INK blend. This blend contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It provides a satisfyingly thin and clacky sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring also opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, this results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall clarity and resonance of the switch.
Despite the differences between the two switches, both the Gateron Oil King and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share some similarities. They both feature a polycarbonate housing material in either the top or bottom housing, resulting in sharper and higher-pitched sound profiles. However, the Oil King's use of nylon in the top housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate top housing caters to those who desire an aesthetically pleasing switch with RGB lighting. Additionally, both switches emphasize the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. However, the bottom out force differs slightly. The Gateron Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring which has a bottom out force of 63 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This lighter weight is particularly advantageous for keyboards used in work settings or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. These individuals might prefer options with heavier forces.
In terms of weight, the Gateron Oil King can be considered relatively heavier due to its higher bottom out force of 65 grams. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, with a bottom out force of 63 grams, can be considered slightly lighter in comparison. However, since both switches have the same actuation force, those who prefer a similar actuation experience can expect similar results from both switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy profile, which results in a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The sound is reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, providing a smooth and mellow tone that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This switch variant features a sharp and snappy sound, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. The choice of board and keycaps will also influence the sound, so it's important to consider those factors as well.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, as if gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. The application of lubricant at the factory and specific materials contribute to the seamless and uniform typing sensation. Conversely, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel. This switch variant offers high feedback intensity with a distinct and prominent tactile bump during keypresses. The longer or dual-staged springs make the typing experience feel more alive and responsive.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King provides a low-pitched and bassy sound with a smooth and buttery feel, while the Shadow offers a clacky, high-pitched sound with a sharp and snappy feel. However, it's important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the choice of board and keycaps will also affect the overall experience. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but in different ways. If you are seeking similar results to the Oil King's smoothness and sound profile, you may find the Gateron Ink switch to be a suitable alternative.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, then the Oil King is the way to go. These switches offer a creamy, silky, and polished feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, then the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the perfect choice. These switches provide a sharp and snappy typing experience with a distinct tactile bump. The switch feels sharp, accented, and snappy, giving a responsive and bouncy sensation. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities and it is important to consider your personal preferences when making a decision.
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