Durock Piano vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices in the market are the Durock Piano, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Durock Piano is renowned for its proprietary material blend, which provides an incredibly pleasant typing experience. With a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, this switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect for those in search of a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility. Equipped with a long, two-staged spring, it delivers a satisfying and responsive typing experience, accompanied by deep, resonating thocks. While both switches offer unique characteristics and advantages, it is important to examine them more closely to determine which one best suits your preferences and needs. So let's dive deeper and explore these switches in detail to help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Piano and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The POM blend of the Piano provides a deep and satisfying sound profile, although the specific details of the blend remain unknown. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, further enhancing the aesthetics of the switch. Therefore, while both switches offer satisfying sound profiles, the Piano's POM blend top housing and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate top housing bring distinct characteristics to their respective switches.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Durock Piano and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in material composition. The Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with the POM blend offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound, and the polycarbonate delivering a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate also leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall tactile experience of the switch. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the bottom housing to visually complement any RGB lighting effects. Therefore, the choice between the Durock Piano and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring bottom housings will ultimately influence the overall sound and tactile feedback of the switch.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound profile of the switches, it is clear that they play distinct roles. The bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This means that the specific housing materials of the Piano and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will have varying influences on the auditory experience throughout the typing process. Therefore, those seeking a specific sound profile and tactile feedback should consider the combination of top and bottom housings that best align with their preferences. Although the Piano and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may share similarities in their housing materials, the division between top and bottom adds an element of customization and allows users to tailor their typing experience to their liking.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Piano switch has an unknown actuation force, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Piano switch requires 63.5 grams of force, making it medium-heavy, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch requires 63 grams of force, placing it in the medium range.
Considering these differences, those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may prefer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch due to its lighter actuation force. This lighter force allows for more extended typing periods, which is suitable for work keyboards or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing feel may lean towards the Durock Piano switch, as its higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel and a more substantial overall typing experience.
Despite the variances in force requirements, both switches offer a medium bottom out force, ensuring that users can achieve a similar outcome in terms of the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preferences, with weight being a crucial factor to consider for finding the perfect balance between comfort and typing satisfaction.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have similar travel distances of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent and comparable tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. Whether you prefer a linear switch like the Piano or a tactile switch like the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, there is no significant difference in travel distance between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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.
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 comparing the sound of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we find distinct differences. The Piano switch offers a deep, creamy sound signature, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, often described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Shadow switch has a higher-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound experience. It is important to note that the actual sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. It features an extremely smooth and effortless travel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and allows for fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. It provides a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The switch's dual-staged springs contribute to its snappy and responsive feel, giving the typing experience more liveliness. The bouncy and stepped attributes also contribute to the switch's tactile feedback.
Considering the available information, the Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Piano switch provides a gliding push feel with a deep, creamy sound signature, while the Shadow switch offers a higher level of tactility, sharpness, and snappiness in both sound and feel. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as different users may prefer different sound and feel qualities. However, if you enjoy a smooth and effortless typing experience, both switches can provide similar results in terms of their frictionless and silky attributes, even though the Piano switch is linear and the Shadow switch is tactile. Ultimately, it is recommended to try out both switches if possible or consider individual preferences to make a more accurate decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prioritize a pleasant and gliding typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is perfect.
In terms of sound, the Piano offers a bassy profile, characterized by a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, and bright. Consider your preference for sound when making your decision.
When it comes to feel, the Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, providing an effortless and smooth feel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a sharp and accented tactile bump, giving a high feedback intensity. It also offers a snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel, making your typing experience more responsive and lively.
Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel. Consider what qualities are most important to you and select the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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