Outemu Peach vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Outemu Peach and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Outemu Peach is ideal for those who prefer a lightweight and silenced linear switch experience. With a feather-light touch and a muted sound profile, these switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility. Equipped with a long, two-staged spring, these switches deliver deep and resonating thocks while typing. Known for being clacky, high-pitched, and sharp, they offer a snappy and bouncy typing experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Nylon
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 dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Outemu Peach and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches differ in terms of their impact on the sound profile. The Outemu Peach features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the Outemu Peach's nylon top housing does not offer this feature.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials also impact the sound profile of the switches differently. The nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Peach contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its nylon top housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper bottom-out sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant bottom-out experience. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate bottom housing is a visual indicator, making it more likely to be used in switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall lighting effects.
When comparing the top and bottom housings within each switch, it is evident that they contribute differently to the overall sound profile. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall tactile feedback when pressing a key. Conversely, the top housing plays a more distinct role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, depending on which housing material is used in each part, the sound and feedback experience of the switches will vary accordingly.
In summary, the housing materials of the Outemu Peach and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches differ in terms of the resulting sound profile. The nylon housing of the Outemu Peach creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housings are visually suitable for RGB lighting effects, providing an aesthetic advantage. Furthermore, when considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound experience, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Understanding these differences allows users to choose the switch that best suits their desired sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Outemu Peach has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, which requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Outemu Peach is 50 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly heavier force of 63 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Peach would be a suitable option, as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively lower. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for tasks such as office work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a more substantial, tactile typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing.
It is worth noting that while the forces required for actuation and bottoming out differ between the two switches, there is no mention of them being adjustable. Therefore, the results obtained from typing on both switches will differ based on these fixed force values.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Peach linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Outemu Peach falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice among gamers who value faster response times. Its shorter travel distance allows for a quicker press and release, leading to increased gameplay efficiency. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. This can be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. Both switches provide distinct advantages based on the desired experience, with the Outemu Peach offering a shorter and more responsive travel distance, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a longer and more tactile typing sensation.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 Peach switch provides a neutral and muted experience. This means that the sound produced when typing on these switches is moderate and softer than regular switches, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound produced is sharp, crisp, and percussive, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more vibrant and bright sound.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Peach switch offers a mild, subtle, and polished tactile experience. The typing feel is gentle and approachable, falling into a safe middle-ground zone that most users find comfortable. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes them suitable for shared spaces while also providing a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feel. The switch provides high feedback intensity with a prominent and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. It is highly responsive, giving a lively and elastic feedback sensation while also having some mild pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Considering the available information, the Outemu Peach switch is known for its lightweight and silenced qualities, providing linear lovers with a feathery light typing experience. It has a neutral sound profile that is muted, making it suitable for most users and environments. The feel of the Outemu Peach switch is mild, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch stands out for its medium-high level of tactility, featuring a long two-staged spring. It produces deep and resonating thocks when typing, thanks to its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The feel of this switch is sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing noticeable tactile feedback and a lively typing experience.
If you are looking for a linear switch with a light typing experience and a neutral, muted sound, the Outemu Peach switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is worth considering. It is important to note that the final sound and feel also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are a linear switch enthusiast looking for a feather-light typing experience, the Outemu Peach switches would be the perfect choice for you. These switches are not only very lightweight at 50 grams, but they are also silenced, ensuring a quiet typing experience. They have a neutral sound profile with a muted sound, making them suitable whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches would be your ideal option. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches offer a slightly heavier typing experience. They are known for their deep, resonating thocks, giving your typing a satisfying sound. The Shadow switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Peach switches offer a mild and subtle typing experience. They have a gentle resistance and a subtle sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, these switches have a polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel.
Contrastingly, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a sharp and snappy feel with their intense feedback and distinct tactile bump. They also have a bouncy and stepped sensation, giving your keystrokes a lively and responsive feel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Peach and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desired typing experience in terms of weight, sound, and feel. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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