Outemu Milk Blue vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Milk Blue switch is best known for its clicky sound and feel, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience for typists. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is praised for its medium-high level of tactility, with a unique two-staged spring design that delivers deep, resonating thocks while typing. The Milk Blue switch falls under the category of clicky switches, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is classified as a tactile option with characteristics like being clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. Each switch offers its own distinct advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue 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 use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Milk Blue features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of a sharper and more resonant sound profile.
While both switches share the same top housing material, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Milk Blue creates a duller and rounder sound profile, in contrast to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience. Additionally, the split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials demonstrates how each component contributes uniquely to the switch's sound and feel when typing.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches offer a sharp and crisp sound due to their polycarbonate top housing, the different bottom housing materials provide a contrasting depth and fullness to the overall typing experience. Whether one prefers a sharper sound profile or a deeper, fuller typing experience will influence the decision between these two switches. Regardless of the choice, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in achieving desired sound and feel characteristics in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Milk Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Shadow at 63 grams is heavier than the Milk Blue, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Milk Blue may be easier to trigger a keystroke with, the Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Milk Blue being ideal for longer typing sessions due to its lighter actuation force, and the Shadow better suited for those who prefer a heavier push feel for added feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is equal, both measuring at 4 mm. When comparing these two switches, it is clear that they offer a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect to feel the same distance as you press down on a key. Both switches provide a satisfying keystroke experience with the same travel distance, ultimately resulting in a consistent typing feel for users.
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 Milk Blue 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 Milk Blue switch is known for its lack of distinctive sound characteristics, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on the Milk Blue switch will result in a more subtle and uniform sound, while the Shadow switch will offer a sharper and more crisp auditory experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Blue switch does not have any specific tactile qualities associated with it. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a unique experience with its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile characteristics. These qualities contribute to a keypress that is both responsive and lively, providing a distinct tactile feedback with each keystroke. Users who prefer a switch with a medium-high level of tactility will find the Shadow switch to be a satisfying choice for their typing needs.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Blue switch provides a quieter and more uniform typing experience, while the Shadow switch delivers a sharper and more tactile feedback with each press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feel. Both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but users seeking a more pronounced auditory and tactile response may lean towards the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a lighter touch and don't mind a louder typing experience, the Milk Blue may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy a deep, resonating thock sound when typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be a great fit. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described for each switch to determine which one aligns better with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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