KTT Purple Click vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct experiences are the KTT Purple Click and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Purple Click is renowned for its satisfying and high-pitched click, providing a delightful typing experience. Its keystrokes are light yet still offer a pronounced tactility, striking a perfect equilibrium. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a medium level of tactility, making it approachable for users seeking tactile feedback without being overwhelming. It boasts a lower actuation and bottom-out force, resulting in a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, it produces a deep and thocky sound profile, adding to its appeal. However, let's examine these switches more closely to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are quite similar. Both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both top housings are translucent, making them ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the two switches differ. The Purple Click features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate is extended to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch creates a consistent sound profile throughout the keypress, reinforcing the sharp and crisp characteristics. The KTT Purple Click, on the other hand, offers a contrasting experience with its nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches, however, are enhanced by the inclusion of polycarbonate in their top housings, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, requiring a relatively gentle push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, still within the medium-light range. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a consistent feel when pressing all the way down.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Purple Click as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lighter actuation force is also suitable for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in long gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals who desire a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch with its slightly heavier actuation force. This provides them with a stronger push feel, adding a sense of satisfaction to each keystroke.
In summary, the Purple Click possesses a lighter actuation force compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. However, both switches share the same bottom out force, ensuring a consistent feel when fully pressing down. Depending on personal preference, one can choose between a lighter and gentler typing experience or a more robust and tactile feel while typing.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Whether it is typing on a keyboard or using a switch in a different context, such as a mechanical keypad or gaming device, users can expect to have a consistent feel between these two switches. Therefore, the travel distance is equal for both the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, ensuring that users can expect similar results regardless of their preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 Purple Click is best characterized by its crunchy and resonant profile. Typing on these switches produces a satisfying high-pitched click, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This switch offers a clean and sharp sound that delivers an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound description for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Purple Click switch provides a unique and invigorating typing experience. It offers a pronounced feedback paired with a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive feel. This switch creates an immersive sensation that engages the typist. Additionally, the Purple Click switch can be described as having a stepped feel. This means that it provides a mild tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. In contrast, the feel of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy. This suggests that the keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed.
Considering the available information, it is clear that both the KTT Purple Click and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches have distinct qualities. The Purple Click offers a satisfying, high-pitched, and crunchy click sound, coupled with a pronounced feedback and a stepped feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a medium level of tactility, a deep and thocky sound profile (according to limited information), and a bouncy feel. While they offer different sound and feel experiences, it is worth noting that individual preferences can greatly impact one's perception and enjoyment of a switch. Therefore, it is recommended to try out these switches firsthand or consult other individuals with similar preferences to determine the most suitable choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who enjoys a highly satisfying click with a balanced level of tactility, then the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the perfect choice for you. With its light keystrokes and pronounced yet non-overwhelming tactile feel, it offers a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, the crunchy and resonant sound profile adds to the immersive auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with approachable tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is highly recommended. Its lower actuation and bottom-out force provide a comfortable typing experience, and the bouncy feedback sensation adds a lively feel to each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for clickiness and tactility.
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