Everglide Oreo vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that are worth considering are the Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Everglide Oreo is known for its crisp and responsive tactile bump, followed by a cushioned sensation during bottoming out. With a medium light tactility, it strikes a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, it offers a subtle and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a very approachable tactility when typing. Furthermore, it boasts a deep and thocky sound profile. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will have similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and overall aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic, in both the top and bottom housings leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. The polycarbonate material also allows for translucency, making it especially suitable for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when using either the Oreo or the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.
However, it is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. In terms of the Everglide Oreo, since both the top and bottom housings are made of polycarbonate, users will experience consistent characteristics in the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring’s polycarbonate top and bottom housings ensure that the switch offers a cohesive sound profile and aesthetic.
Overall, both the Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring showcase the advantages of polycarbonate housing materials. With their clear, resonant sound profiles and translucency for RGB lighting, users can expect similar results from both switches. Whether it's the Oreo's polycarbonate top and bottom housings or the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate counterparts, these switches demonstrate the benefits of using a stiffer plastic material for enhanced sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have similar characteristics. Both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a medium-light resistance when pressing the keys all the way down. However, the Everglide Oreo has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an actuation force of 48 grams. While the difference in actuation force is minimal, it suggests that the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Everglide Oreo. Therefore, those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended periods may prefer the Everglide Oreo, whereas individuals desiring a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Overall, both switches offer a medium-light resistance, but with a slight variation in actuation force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feel and require the same level of force to actuate, making them suitable choices for users who prefer a precise and uniform typing experience. Whether you opt for the Everglide Oreo or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall performance.
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) 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a subtle and mellow sound profile. These switches have a chirpy quality, which means they have a little squeak to them, giving them a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is not specified, so it is unknown how they sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as having an accented and stepped feel. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, offering a prominent amount of tactile feedback. Stepped switches, on the other hand, have a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. This provides a more mild tactile experience compared to hypetactile switches. On the contrary, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is described as bouncy. This means that they provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and a rebound when pressed.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a medium light tactility and a subtle mellow sound, they strike a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. As for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it offers a medium level of tactility, lower actuation and bottom-out force, and a deep thocky sound profile, though not specified. While the specific sound and feel of the Aflion switch are not known, based on the available information, they should provide similar benefits in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired sound and feel for the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a satisfying tactile experience, then the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is an excellent choice. These switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo strikes a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, these switches have a subtle and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a single spring variant with a medium level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is highly recommended. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, the Shadow (Ink) provides a very approachable tactility. It also features a deep and thocky sound profile. Furthermore, the Shadow (Ink) is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation for a lively feel. Overall, depending on your preferences for the sound and feel of a switch, you can choose between the Everglide Oreo for its balanced and mellow experience, or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for its approachable tactility and bouncy feel.
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