Outemu Milk Tea vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Tea and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, both with tactile feedback, you'll be faced with distinct characteristics to consider. The Milk Tea is known for its unique name and falls into a certain category. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is renowned for its medium level of tactility, making it a great option for those seeking a satisfying keypress experience with a softer touch. The Shadow (Ink) also boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, adding an extra layer of sensory appeal. While these general pointers can help you get an idea of what each switch offers, it's important to delve deeper to determine the best fit for your personal typing preferences. 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
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
Ly
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 Milk Tea and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate in 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 intended for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect to the keyboard setup. In terms of sound, users can expect resonant clacks when typing on switches with polycarbonate top housings, creating an immersive typing experience.
However, where the switches diverge is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Milk Tea employs nylon in its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the crisp and sharp sound profile associated with this material. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch means that users will experience a combination of qualities when typing, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
In essence, while the Outemu Milk Tea and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring use different materials for their bottom housings, they both capitalize on the benefits of polycarbonate for their top housings. This results in a consistent and enjoyable typing experience characterized by sharp and resonant sound profiles. Whether users prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences in keyboard customization. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force that is unavailable for the Milk Tea and 55 grams for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, which makes it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the preferred option as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a slightly heavier push feel, which may be preferred by those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel distance regardless of which switch they choose. Whether you opt for the Outemu Milk Tea or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, you can trust that both switches will provide a satisfactory typing experience due to their shared travel distance.
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 Tea 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, both the Outemu Milk Tea and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are known for their unique characteristics. The Milk Tea's sound profile is not specified, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is praised for its deep and thocky sound. The actual sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so your experience may vary.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not have specific descriptors provided. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy. Bouncy switches offer a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel with rebound when pressed. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a more responsive feel.
In conclusion, while the sound profiles of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches may differ, both switches offer tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience. The Milk Tea's subjective qualities are not specified, so if you are looking for a switch with a deeper sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may be a better choice. Additionally, the bouncy feel of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch can provide a unique typing experience for those who prefer a more responsive key press. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference. If you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience with a soft tactility, the Milk Tea may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a bouncy feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would be a great option. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound and feel when selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
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