Everglide Oreo vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to find the one that suits your preferences and typing style. Two popular switches in the market are the Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both of which are tactile switches. The Everglide Oreo offers a delightful tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned bottoming out sensation, providing a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. It emits a subtle and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring boasts a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring design. Typing on this switch results in deep and resonating thocks, providing a unique auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences the most.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share the use of polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings. Both switches benefit from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness also enhances the switch's resonant sound, providing a clear and vibrant sound experience. Aesthetically, both switches offer the advantage of translucency, allowing them to be compatible with RGB lighting setups. Therefore, if you are looking for switches with similar sound profiles and visualization options, both the Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring are viable choices.
However, it is worth noting that while the materials used in both the Oreo and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's top and bottom housings are the same, the distribution of these materials within the switches differs. The bottom housing of each switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing down, while the top housing affects the sound when you release the key. This distinction suggests that although the sound profiles may share similarities, subtle variations in keypress and release sounds might be present between the Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide similar benefits through their use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, their translucency makes them suitable for RGB lighting setups. However, the specific distribution of the polycarbonate material within each switch leads to slight differences in the sound when pressing down and releasing keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the desired sound experience for your keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Oreo switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly heavier 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Oreo switch would be more sensitive and require less force to register a key press.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Oreo switch has a force of 55 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 63 grams. This indicates that the Oreo switch has a softer bottoming out feel, allowing for a potentially more comfortable and lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down the keys.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer lighter switches may find the Oreo switch more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Its lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it more conducive to typing for longer periods without exerting excessive pressure on the fingers. However, for users who desire a stronger and more substantial pushing sensation, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be the preferred choice due to its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Oreo switch is lighter in both aspects, offering a more sensitive and softer typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we find that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a subtle, mellow sound profile. They can be described as chirpy, which means they have a little squeak to them, giving these switches a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch produces deep, resonating thocks when typing on them. These switches are known to be clacky, creating a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. They are also considered to be high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound that is distinct. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a delightful tactile experience. These switches have a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, providing a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. They can be described as accented, which means they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, they are stepped switches, meaning they have two stages of tactile feedback, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is sharp and snappy. They offer a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinct with each keypress. Like the Oreo, they are also accented switches and stepped switches, providing a medium level of tactility.
Considering the available information, the Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Oreo switches have a mellow sound profile and provide a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. They are accented and stepped switches, offering a medium level of tactility. On the other hand, the Shadow switches have deep, resonating thocks as a sound profile. They are clacky and high-pitched switches, providing a sharp and snappy tactile experience. They are also accented, stepped, and snappy switches, offering a medium-high level of tactility. While they have their own unique qualities, for individuals who prefer a similar level of tactility, the Oreo switches can provide a comparable experience to the Shadow switches. However, it's important to consider personal preferences, as the choice of keyboard and keycaps can further influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying keystroke accompanied by a comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is your best choice. These switches offer a delightful tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Additionally, they provide a subtle and mellow sound profile, making them an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you desire a switch with a medium level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the ideal pick. These switches feature a two-staged spring design, resulting in a medium-high level of tactility. Furthermore, they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. With its multiple descriptors like sharp, accented, snappy, and stepped, these switches offer a more intense feedback sensation and a lively feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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