Outemu Blue Jade vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring stand out as popular choices. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying audible click with each keypress. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch, offering a medium level of tactility that is comfortable to use. The Shadow Single Spring also features a deep and thocky sound profile, adding to the typing experience. While the Blue Jade provides a more clicky typing experience, the Shadow Single Spring offers a softer tactile feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Blue Jade's nylon top and bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch with polycarbonate top and bottom housings offers a sharper, higher-pitched and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials, but they cater to different sound preferences.
While the Blue Jade and Shadow (Ink) both prioritize sound quality through their housing materials, they differ in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The Blue Jade's nylon housing provides a classic and understated look, focusing more on the typing experience itself rather than the visual appeal. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) switch's polycarbonate housing, especially in a clear format, enhances the look of the switch, making it ideal for those who are interested in RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant and visually appealing typing experience, complementing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard.
Overall, both the Outemu Blue Jade and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials. While the Blue Jade's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Shadow (Ink) switch's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound, aesthetics, and functionality, keyboard enthusiasts can choose between these switches to customize their typing experience to suit their individual needs and preferences. Additionally, despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their unique qualities.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch reveals some key differences. The Blue Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Shadow's 48 grams, making the Blue Jade slightly heavier in terms of actuation. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Jade requires 65 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams, making the Shadow the lighter option in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Shadow for a smoother typing experience, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may find the Blue Jade to be the better choice for a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, so regardless of which one you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of typing accuracy and enjoyment. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is crucial in determining the typing experience and the overall feel of a keyboard. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect a consistent feel when typing on either switch. This means that whether you go for the Blue Jade or the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. It's worth noting that a 4 mm travel distance is considered to be standard for mechanical switches and provides a good balance between typing comfort and responsiveness. Overall, users can expect a familiar typing experience with either of these switches due to their identical travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is well-known for producing a distinct clicky sound with each key press, providing a satisfying auditory feedback for typists. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience compared to the Blue Jade switch. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is known for its tactile bump and clicky feedback, giving typists a clear indication of when the key press has registered. As for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is described as bouncy, with a medium level of tactility that provides a spring-like sensation when pressed. This bouncy feel can add a sense of liveliness to typing sessions, offering users a unique tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer different sound and feel profiles, they both provide a satisfying typing experience for users looking for tactile feedback in their mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you prefer the loud and clicky sound of the Blue Jade switch or the deep and thocky sound of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, both options can cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, trying out both switches on your preferred keyboard setup will allow you to determine which one suits your typing needs best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider the bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a more approachable tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is a great option. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel of each switch to determine which best suits your preferences. Ultimately, whether you prioritize the weight of the switch or the tactile feedback, both the Blue Jade and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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