Outemu Silent Green vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Green, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, stand out as popular options. The Silent Green is known for its smooth and quiet keystrokes, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a medium-high level of tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with deep thocks that resonate through each key press. While the Silent Green is perfect for those looking for a silent typing experience, the Shadow switch is preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of the plastic material. This leads to a more resonant sound overall, which is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles from both switches when it comes to the material used in the housing.
However, while both switches share the same housing material in the top and bottom, the impact of each housing on the overall sound profile may differ. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a more significant effect on the sound produced when releasing a key. This difference in impact may lead to slight variations in the overall typing experience between the two switches, despite both featuring polycarbonate in their housings.
Ultimately, both the Outemu Silent Green and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer users a similar experience in terms of sound profile due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the housing. The clear and resonant sound produced by this material makes both switches ideal choices for those seeking a sharper and crisper typing experience. While minor differences in sound profiles may arise based on the impact of the top and bottom housing materials, users can expect comparable results in terms of overall sound quality and keyboard feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we can see that the Silent Green is lighter overall. The Silent Green has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category, providing a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Silent Green, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while those looking for a stronger push feel may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of force requirements, both switches offer similar results despite the slight differences in weight. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This makes them equally responsive and tactile in terms of feel and actuation. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a moderate travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a more controlled and precise 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 Silent 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 Silent Green switch is known for its silent operation, making it ideal for those who want a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when typed on. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a silent or more audible typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offer differing tactile experiences. The Silent Green switch's tactile qualities are unknown, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback. This switch provides a strong and crisp tactile bump with a distinct feel for each keypress, giving a lively and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Green switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Green switch provides a silent typing experience, while the Shadow switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with sharp, accented, and bouncy tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to customize your mechanical keyboard typing experience. If you value a silent typing experience, the Silent Green switch is the way to go, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is perfect for those seeking a more audible and tactile typing sensation.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a smooth, quiet typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, deep thocks, and a slightly higher bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your preference for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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