Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mechanical keyboard switches, both fall under the tactile switch category. The Dustproof Brown is known for its durability with dustproof features, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is praised for its medium level of tactility and the deep thocky sound profile it produces. The Dustproof Brown is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and long-lasting switch, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a more pleasant typing experience with its bouncy 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resonating qualities, and translucency. As a result, both switches are ideal choices for RGB lighting setups. However, the Dustproof Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharp and clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
The distinction between the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Brown and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring lies in the sound produced when pressing down on the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Brown contributes to a deeper and rounder bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which impacts the sound when releasing a key. The similarities and differences in the housing materials of these switches offer users a choice between a fuller sound profile or a crisper sound with each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a sharp and resonant sound, perfect for those looking to enhance their RGB lighting setups. However, the difference in bottom housing materials results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for the Dustproof Brown and a sharper and crisper sound for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Ultimately, the choice between these switches lies in the sound experience users prefer, whether it be a more muffled and round sound or a clear and sharp sound with each key press.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dustproof Brown requires 65 grams to fully press down, making it heavier than the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, which bottoms out at 55 grams. This means that the Dustproof Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions. Both switches have their advantages, with the Dustproof Brown being more suitable for those who prefer a heavier typing feel, and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring catering to individuals who enjoy a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel when pressed. As a result, users can expect consistent performance in terms of keypress responsiveness and feeling when using either of these switches. Whether you choose the Dustproof Brown or the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, you can be confident in the reliability and comfort of their travel distance, making them both excellent options for 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 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 and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer different characteristics. The Dustproof Brown switch is known for its silence, providing a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch has a deep and thocky sound profile, which adds a satisfying auditory element to your keystrokes. Both switches can be altered in sound profile based on the keyboard and keycaps used, but the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch generally offers a more noticeable and pleasant sound.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is often described as providing a certain tactile feedback that is absence in the provided information. In comparison, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its bouncy feel, which gives a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation. This bounciness can contribute to a lively typing experience, where keys rebound after being pressed for a tactile and responsive feel.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, they both cater to tactile switch enthusiasts. The Dustproof Brown provides a silent typing experience while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch delivers a deeper and more satisfying sound profile. In terms of feel, the Dustproof Brown's tactile feedback is unknown but the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's bouncy feel adds a lively and responsive touch to each keystroke. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single 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 particularly looking for any unique features, the Dustproof Brown could be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, along with a bouncy and lively feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch may be the better option. Consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and desired tactile feedback when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, so choose the one that best suits your typing needs.
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