KTT Peach vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Peach and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Peach switch offers a smooth typing experience and a satisfying thocky sound profile. It falls under the category of being low-pitched, neutral, and mild. On the other hand, the Shadow switch is known for its medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches delivers deep, resonating thocks. The Shadow switch falls into categories such as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Peach and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a preferred material when using RGB lighting. This means that if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing and want a vibrant light display, both the Peach and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would provide similar results.
However, the difference between these switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Peach features a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, giving a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing. This maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate, resulting in a more consistent sound experience throughout keystrokes.
When using these switches, one will notice that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel during a key press, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Peach's nylon bottom housing will provide a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing will offer a consistent and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the desired sound and feel during typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Peach linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that they have differing actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Peach has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly higher force of 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Peach has a bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a bottom out force of 63 grams. In terms of weight, the Peach can be considered lighter, making it a suitable choice for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience or prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a slightly heavier feel. It is worth noting that if one prefers a similar result, they can achieve it by adjusting their typing style to apply a similar force with either switch.
Travel distance
The KTT Peach linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have similar travel distances of 4 mm. Both switches provide a comfortable keypress experience with a consistent amount of travel distance, ensuring a satisfying feel when pressing down on a key. Whether using the Peach or the Shadow (Ink), users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance, which enhances typing efficiency and overall typing experience. It is worth noting that both switches offer a moderate travel distance that is neither too short nor too long, striking a balance between ease of use and tactile feedback.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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
The KTT Peach linear switch is best known for its smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile. It offers a low-pitched sound, which means it has more bass and mellow tones compared to higher-pitched switches. This neutral switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. The Peach switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is known for its medium-high level of tactility. It features a long, two-staged spring, providing a sharp and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. When typing on the Shadow switch, you will experience a deep and resonating thock sound. The Shadow switch has a clacky sound profile, which is sharp, bright, and percussive. It also has a high-pitched sound that produces a sharp and crisp noise when pressed.
In conclusion, the KTT Peach linear switch offers a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. It provides a mild and approachable feel to most users. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a medium-high level of tactility, with a sharp and crisp tactile bump. It produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. Both switches have their own unique qualities and characteristics, providing users with different typing experiences. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can be suitable for different individuals' needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Peach linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a syrupy smooth typing experience, and a deep thocky sound profile, the Peach switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, and deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more suitable. In terms of sound, the Peach has a low-pitched and neutral profile, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a clacky and high-pitched profile. In terms of feel, the Peach switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, or stepped tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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