Outemu Milk Peach vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Peach and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Peach, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch, offer unique characteristics catered to different preferences. The Milk Peach is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes while being categorized as a linear switch. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring stands out for its medium level of tactility, making it a great option for those seeking a tactile switch with a bouncy feel. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a gentle actuation, the Milk Peach might be the better choice for you; however, if you prefer a more tactile feel with a satisfying sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring could be the ideal option. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Milk Peach and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, we find that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Nylon bottom housing of the Milk Peach offers 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, maintaining a sharper and more resonant sound characteristic throughout the switch.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings of the Milk Peach and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring divides the qualities each material brings to the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switch. When pressing down on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing the differences in sound profile between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in each switch contributes significantly to the overall typing experience and sound profile. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the use of Nylon and polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Milk Peach and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, respectively, showcase distinct sound characteristics. Whether aiming for a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller typing experience, each switch offers a unique combination of housing materials to cater to different preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, the actuation force of the Milk Peach is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Shadow's 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milk Peach has an unknown weight while the Shadow requires 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Peach would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Shadow provides a more substantial push feel, which some users may find more satisfying for typing. In terms of weight preference, those who enjoy a heavier typing experience should opt for the Shadow, while those looking for a lighter touch would lean towards the Milk Peach. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we can see that the Milk Peach has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 4 mm distance. The Milk Peach's shorter distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the feel that each individual user is looking for in their keyboard switches.
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 Milk Peach 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 Milk Peach linear switch is known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, adding a satisfying auditory element to typing sessions. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Peach switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, providing a straightforward typing experience without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback with each key press. This particular switch is designed to provide a medium level of tactility, creating a more engaging typing experience for those who prefer tactile feedback.
Overall, the Milk Peach linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer distinctly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet and linear typing experience, the Milk Peach switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile combined with a bouncy tactile feedback, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery linear switch with no tactile feedback, the Outemu Milk Peach is the way to go. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preference for either linear or tactile switches. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to consider what type of feel and sound you prefer before making your decision.
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