KTT Orange vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options available to cater to different preferences and typing styles. Two popular switches to consider are the KTT Orange and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. While both switches offer their own unique features and qualities, they differ in terms of their feel and sound profiles. The KTT Orange switch, a linear switch, is best known for its bouncy and frictionless typing experience. With its polycarbonate milky top housing and nylon bottom housing, this switch provides a slick and smooth key travel, accompanied by a low-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, is perfect for those seeking a medium-high level of tactility. Its distinctive feature is the long, two-staged spring that offers a snappy and sharp feel while typing, resulting in deep and resonating thocks. Each switch has its own merits, 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
46g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This means that they share similar qualities when it comes to sound and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in both housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate also contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful if RGB lighting is a consideration. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting effects from both switches.
However, it is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings differ for a particular switch, the characteristics brought by each housing material will be distributed differently. When pressing down on either the KTT Orange or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have more impact on the sound when a key is released. So, although both switches feature the same housing material, the distribution of these qualities may differ depending on their specific design.
Overall, the KTT Orange and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share similarities in their housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top and bottom housings. This means that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic effects from both switches, particularly when it comes to the sharper, higher-pitched sounds and the translucency for RGB lighting. However, it is important to consider that the distribution of these housing material qualities may differ depending on the specific design of each switch, impacting the sound and feel when pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Orange has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the Shadow requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Orange switch will feel lighter and more responsive when typing, requiring less pressure to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Orange has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Shadow's 63 grams. This means that when fully pressing down on the keys, the Orange switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience.
For those who prefer a lighter typing feel and want to type for longer periods of time, the KTT Orange linear switch would be the better option. Its lighter actuation force allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes with less effort. However, if a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience are preferred, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch would be the suitable choice. The Shadow's higher actuation force provides a more solid tactile feedback and requires a bit more force for a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, both switches are quite similar, with the Shadow being only slightly heavier than the Orange. Overall, while the Shadow offers a slightly heavier experience, the differences between the two switches are relatively minimal, and users are likely to get similar results in terms of typing performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we can see that the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Shadow (Ink) falls within the standard range of 4.0 mm, while the Orange is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, the Orange switch offers a faster response time preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences - if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Orange with its shorter travel distance would be the suitable option, while if you prefer a more substantial and deliberate keystroke, the Shadow (Ink) with its longer travel distance would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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.
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 KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound, with a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The 22mm long spring in these switches gives them a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, resulting in a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the factory-lubing of these switches ensures a refined and fluid key travel, minimizing friction and maximizing smoothness. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. These descriptors indicate that these tactile switches offer high feedback intensity, a medium amount of tactility, quick responsiveness, a spring-like feel, and a two-staged keystroke experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Considering the available information, the KTT Orange linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, while the Shadow switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Orange switch is bouncy and frictionless, while the Shadow switch is sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. These qualities result in different typing experiences for users. However, if you are looking for a similar level of bounciness, the Shadow switch does offer a bouncing sensation as well. Overall, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch would be a great choice for you. With its bouncy feel and refined key travel, you can expect a slick and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy a sharp and snappy sound when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more suitable. Its strong and crisp tactile bump, along with the deep resonating thocks, provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for key feel and sound profile.
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