Gateron Quinn vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Quinn and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are two popular options to consider. The Quinn switches offer a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to their specially designed nylon housings. With each keystroke, users are greeted with a rich and immersive sound that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its medium level of tactility, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more approachable typing experience. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, users can enjoy a satisfying tactile bump without it being too overwhelming. In addition, the Shadow switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile that creates a pleasant auditory experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches also vary in material composition and its impact on sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Quinn produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its nylon top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring leads to a more sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel, as it influences the tactile experience when pressing down on the switch.
It's important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be distributed accordingly. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the qualities of the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while the Quinn and Shadow switches may present similar sound profiles due to their use of nylon and polycarbonate respectively, the distribution of these qualities in different housing components ensures a distinctive auditory experience based on the specific switch model.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Quinn has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 48 grams, making the Quinn require a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Quinn has a higher force of 67 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires a lighter force of 55 grams. This means that the Quinn offers a more substantial typing experience, providing a stronger push feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a lighter touch.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. This lighter touch allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for prolonged work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Quinn with its heavier forces, providing a stronger push feel. However, it's worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfactory typing experience regardless of their preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Quinn has a shorter travel distance than the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Quinn switch, you will feel the switch travel a shorter distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Quinn may be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of qualities. It is characterized as bassy, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. Additionally, the Quinn switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound. The low-pitched nature of these switches adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. Overall, using the Quinn switch creates a clean, crisp, and immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch's sound qualities are not specified. Without specific information, we cannot compare its sound profile to the Quinn switch. However, it is essential to note that the sound produced by any switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a range of tactile sensations. It is described as snappy, which means it provides a super responsive and lively typing experience due to longer or dual-staged springs. The Quinn switch also has a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and enables smooth key travel. Furthermore, the switch is labeled as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives a rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Quinn switch is classified as accented, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Its buttery and creamy qualities ensure a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.
In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is only described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Without further information, we cannot directly compare the feel of this switch to the Gateron Quinn switch.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a more comprehensive range of subjective qualities. It provides a deep and resonant sound profile, with characteristics like bassy and clacky, creating an immersive auditory experience. Its feel encompasses descriptors such as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, ensuring a responsive and refined typing experience. Conversely, the subjective qualities of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch are not extensively described, thus limiting our ability to compare them to the Quinn switch. However, it is worth mentioning that if one desires similar results to the feel and sound of the Quinn switch, they might consider aspects such as board choice and keycap selection.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility, then the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the way to go. It offers a precise and clean tactile bump, along with a deep and resonant sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a medium level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is highly recommended. It provides a very approachable tactility and features a deep and thocky sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you prefer the bassy and clacky sound of the Quinn or the bouncy feel of the Shadow (Ink), there is a switch for every mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Mentioned in this article
