Durock Piano vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, two popular options stand out: the Durock Piano and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Durock Piano offers a unique experience with its proprietary material blend, providing a smooth and gliding push feel accompanied by a deep, creamy sound signature. This linear switch is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a seamless and pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch that offers a medium level of tactility. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this switch provides a highly approachable tactility and features a satisfyingly deep and thocky sound profile. Categorized as 'Bouncy', it is sure to please users who desire a tactile feedback while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision and find the perfect switch for your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend top and bottom housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Therefore, the Shadow (Ink) switch is likely to produce a more clear and resonant sound compared to the Piano.
Another point of comparison lies in the aesthetic aspect of the housing materials. While the Piano's POM blend top and bottom housing do not provide any specific information regarding their visual properties, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring boasts a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate's translucency makes it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and enhance the overall visual experience. In this regard, the Shadow (Ink) switch offers an advantage for those who prioritize customizable lighting effects.
It is worth noting that the impact of the housing materials differs depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While both the Piano and Shadow (Ink) switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom, the overall effect on sound will be split between these two components. This distinction in housing materials contributes to the nuanced sound experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Piano switch has an actuation force that is unpublished, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch has a published actuation force of 48 grams, indicating a lighter touch required to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, its bottom out force is slightly lighter at 55 grams, falling into the medium-light category.
Considering weight, lighter switches like the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may be favored by individuals who prefer extended typing or gaming sessions as it reduces the strain on their fingers over time. This makes it an ideal choice for those bringing their keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Piano would appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience, providing a stronger push feel.
While the specific actuation force for the Piano switch remains unknown, it is clear that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch requires a lighter touch for keystroke activation and has a correspondingly lighter bottom out force. Yet, it is important to note that both switches can provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out if their forces are in a comparable range. Ultimately, the optimal choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on either switch will result in a similar feeling of travel distance. Both switches offer a smooth and consistent keystroke experience for users. This makes them suitable for gamers and typists who prefer a shorter travel distance and quicker actuation. The equal travel distance of these switches ensures that users will have a consistent experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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) 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.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Piano linear switch is best known for its deep and creamy sound signature. With a lower frequency range, it offers a bassy sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound qualities of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is not available. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Piano switch is described as offering a frictionless and silky typing experience. It provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This switch offers a fluid travel, allowing for a gliding push feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is described as being bouncy. This means that it provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed.
In conclusion, both the Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Durock Piano provides a deep and creamy sound signature, while the sound qualities of the Aflion Shadow switch are unknown. When it comes to feel, the Durock Piano offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, while the Aflion Shadow switch provides a bouncy feel with its spring-like feedback. It is important to consider personal preferences and the desired typing experience when choosing between these switches. Overall, both switches are known for their pleasant qualities, but a newcomer can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when opting for the Durock Piano linear switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gliding push feel, the Durock Piano may be the perfect choice for you. With its proprietary material blend, it offers a pleasant typing experience and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is highly recommended. It has a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing an approachable tactility. Additionally, it features a deep and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preference for switch weight, typing experience, and sound profile. Choose the Durock Piano for a smooth and frictionless feel, or opt for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation.
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