Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Aflion Shadow Ink Single Spring both fall under the tactile category. The Crystal Brown is known for its unique characteristics, being categorized as a reliable tactile switch. On the other hand, the Shadow Ink Single Spring stands out for its medium level of tactility, lower actuation and bottom-out force, and a deep and thocky sound profile. If you are in search of a tactile switch that offers a bouncy feel, the Shadow Ink Single Spring is the way to go. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in top housing creates a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for the top housing, the Crystal Brown boasts a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Crystal Brown and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches leads to distinct sound and feel characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring results in a crisper and clearer sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during bottom-out sounds and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing, the use of different bottom housing materials affects the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Outemu Crystal Brown and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring impacts the sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the Crystal Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The split between top and bottom housing qualities results in distinct characteristics for each switch, with the bottom housing influencing bottom-out sounds and feel, and the top housing contributing to the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the combination of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch are quite similar. The Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category when it comes to force requirements. This means that users can expect a relatively light typing experience with both switches, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The difference in actuation force is minimal, and for practical purposes, users can expect similar results when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for slight differences in force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on the keys with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from top to bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect consistent feedback and typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, both switches provide a tactile feel with the same travel distance, offering a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Crystal Brown 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 Crystal Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer different experiences. The Crystal Brown switch is known for its quiet operation with a subtle tactile bump, providing a smooth typing experience without much noise. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, adding a satisfying auditory element to your typing sessions.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile bump that is not overly pronounced, giving users a gentle feedback as they type. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, on the other hand, is described as bouncy. This means that these switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, offering a lively feel with rebound when pressed.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feels. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a subtle tactile bump, the Crystal Brown switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy tactile feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and a different sound profile, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a medium level of tactility with a deep and thocky sound, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch from Aflion is a great option to consider. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound when typing.
Mentioned in this article
