Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring are two popular options to consider. The Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its durability and resistance to dust, making it a reliable choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting switch. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is also a tactile switch but stands out for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks when typing. If you prefer a switch with a bit more feedback and sound, the Shadow switch variant with its unique double-spring design might be the way to go. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, where the Dustproof Brown differs is in its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, maintaining a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout.
Despite both the Dustproof Brown and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, their differences lie in the choice of material for the bottom housing. The Dustproof Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a different sound and feel compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Brown provides a duller and rounder sound profile, contrasting with the sharper and crisper sound profile produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. This distinction showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience on mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring play a significant role in defining the sound and feel of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the inclusion of nylon bottom housing in the Dustproof Brown results in a deeper and fuller sound compared to the consistent sharpness of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch performance can guide mechanical keyboard enthusiasts in selecting the switches that best suit their typing preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch both offer a unique typing experience based on their actuation force and bottom out force. The Dustproof Brown requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In comparison, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium switch. Both switches provide a tactile feedback, but the Dustproof Brown requires a lighter touch to actuate while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a slightly heavier bottom out feel. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dustproof Brown for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the more substantial typing experience of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, it can be noted that they both provide a similar tactile feedback due to their identical travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Outemu Dustproof Brown or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect to experience a similar keypress feel in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile response, making them both great options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Dustproof 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 Dustproof Brown switch is known for being relatively quiet, with a muted sound that is not very distinct. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound that is bright and percussive. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a more noticeable and lively sound profile, the Shadow switch would be the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Brown switch does not have specific descriptors provided in the information. However, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. This means that the Shadow switch offers a high level of feedback intensity, a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, a super responsive typing experience, a spring-like rebound sensation, and a feeling of having two distinct stages during each keypress. If you are looking for a switch that provides a dynamic and engaging typing experience, the Shadow switch would be a great choice.
Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dustproof Brown switch is quieter and may be more suitable for a more low-profile typing experience, the Shadow switch excels in providing a distinctive and lively typing feel with its sharp tactility and resonating sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not specifically looking for a unique feature, the Dustproof Brown may be a suitable option for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thock sounds while typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch with its long, two-staged spring may be the better choice. Additionally, if you appreciate a sharp and clacky sound profile and a sharp, accented, and snappy tactile feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be a good fit for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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