Bsun Olive vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering tactile switches for your mechanical keyboard, the Bsun Olive and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are two popular options to consider. The Bsun Olive switches are characterized by their deep and resonant sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback and a crisp bottom-out. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation force, providing a bouncy feel during use. While the Olive switch offers an invigorating and sharp typing experience, the Shadow switch provides a thocky sound profile that is approachable for all users. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Olive features POM top and bottom housings, creating a deep and muted sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes polycarbonate top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The difference in materials is especially significant for those interested in RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switch. Overall, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing will significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Despite their differences, the POM and polycarbonate housings of the Bsun Olive and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring share some similarities. Both materials offer unique sound profiles that are affected by the stiffness of the plastic used. POM creates a more muted sound, while polycarbonate produces a crisper and resonant sound. Additionally, the impact of the housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. These similarities highlight the importance of choosing the right housing material to achieve the desired sound profile.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. POM offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, while polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those interested in RGB lighting. Whether choosing POM or polycarbonate housing, it is essential to consider how each material will impact the sound profile and overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two materials will depend on personal preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. However, the Olive has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams. This means that while the Shadow may feel slightly lighter to type on initially, the Olive offers a more substantial and satisfying typing experience when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Shadow may be the better option, whereas those looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Olive. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is clear that the Olive has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Shadow's 4 mm. This means that the Olive switch will provide a slightly quicker response time when pressed. The Shadow switch, on the other hand, will offer a bit more depth when pressed due to its longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Shadow being more towards the standard 4 mm while the Olive is slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a quicker response time or a deeper feeling when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Olive switch is best known for delivering a resonant, deep sound that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Olive switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This means that it provides a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still distinctly satisfying during use. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively feel with rebound when pressed.
Taking all available information into account, it is clear that both the Bsun Olive and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Olive switch stands out for its pronounced tactile feedback and deep sound, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a more approachable level of tactility and a bouncy feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between them would depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider your preference for the level of tactility and bottom out force. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and pronounced tactile feedback with a resonant, deep sound, the Olive switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more approachable level of tactility with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing experience preferences and the specific characteristics that you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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