Outemu Green vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Outemu Green, a clicky switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Outemu Green switch is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy the audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a medium-high level of tactility with its unique two-staged spring design, providing a satisfying typing experience with deep, resonating thocks. While the Green switch falls into the category of clicky switches, the Shadow switch is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on what characteristics you value most in a keyboard switch. 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
65g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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 dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. While both switches share this top housing material, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Green utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, providing a clear and resonant sound profile similar to its top housing characteristics.
Despite sharing the same material for their top housing, the Outemu Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches exhibit differences in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Green produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, in contrast to the crisper and sharper sound profile of the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. This divergence in bottom housing material impacts the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing of each switch plays a role in the sound produced when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when evaluating switch performance.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Outemu Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and aesthetic appeal, their differing bottom housing materials result in distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Green creates a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring maintains a crisper sound profile. Understanding the contributions of both top and bottom housing materials is essential for enthusiasts seeking specific sound profiles and tactile experiences in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is clear that the Green switch is heavier than the Shadow Double Spring switch. The Green switch has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a more substantial option for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Shadow Double Spring switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a medium-level typing experience. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences, with the Green switch being heavier and the Shadow Double Spring switch being lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Green clicky 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 and contrasting the two switches, it is important to note that they both offer a satisfying typing experience with a consistent travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Outemu Green clicky switch or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and keypress feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of other factors such as sound, actuation force, and overall typing experience.
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 Green 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 Green clicky switch is known for producing a sharp and loud click with each keypress, giving users a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, resulting in a crisp and bright sound profile that resonates deeply while typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Green switch catering to those who prefer a louder click and the Shadow switch appealing to users seeking a resonating thock.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green switch provides a tactile bump that is responsive and provides a satisfying feedback with each keypress. Unfortunately, the specific tactile qualities of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch are not provided in the information, so it is difficult to directly compare the feel of the two switches. Both switches are known for delivering a tactile typing experience, with the Green switch offering a distinct bump and the Shadow switch likely providing a different but equally satisfying tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer different sound profiles and potentially different tactile feels, they both cater to users seeking a tactile typing experience. The Green switch is best suited for those who enjoy a loud and clicky sound with a responsive tactile feedback, while the Shadow switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a likely sharp and distinctive tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but with different characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a clicky typing experience, the Outemu Green switch is a good choice. On the other hand, if you seek a medium bottom out force and a tactile switch with deep thocks and a strong tactile bump, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the way to go. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Shadow switch is a great option. In terms of feel, the Shadow switch offers various descriptors such as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing a unique typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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