Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring each offer unique characteristics appealing to different types of users. The Everglide Rice Pudding switches are celebrated for their smooth operation and deep sound profile, providing a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. These hall effect switches also stand out for their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, catering to gamers and enthusiasts who seek enhanced performance and versatility. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback. With a medium-high level of tactility, these switches deliver a pronounced feel with deep, resonating thocks during typing thanks to their unique long, two-staged spring design. While the Rice Pudding switches shine in their slickness and versatility, the Shadow switches offer an engaging tactile sensation that makes each keystroke feel impactful. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Rice Pudding and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The polycarbonate material contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound that resonates distinctly, making both switches appealing for users who prioritize audible feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB enthusiasts, as it enhances the visibility and diffuses the lighting effects effectively, ensuring a visually striking keyboard aesthetic. Therefore, users can expect a comparable auditory experience when using either switch, particularly in how the top housing influences the sound when releasing the keys.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches. The Rice Pudding switch employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's soft plastic properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. This is in stark contrast to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, which also features a polycarbonate bottom housing. As a result, this switch maintains the sharper, crisper sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate materials throughout both the top and bottom housings. Consequently, the typing experience will vary significantly between the two switches, with the Rice Pudding offering a more subdued acoustic while typing, attributed to its nylon bottom, compared to the Shadow's consistent brightness.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in these switches delineates their unique sound experiences, yet similarities in the top housing still yield benefits for specific preferences. While both switches present the clear and resonant sound profile influenced by polycarbonate in their top housings, the Rice Pudding's nylon bottom provides a contrasting depth that may appeal to users seeking a rounded typing feel and sound. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's all-polycarbonate construction will cater to those who enjoy a uniform, sharper auditory experience across the board. Thus, understanding how each housing interacts to create different sound profiles can aid users in selecting the appropriate switch that aligns with their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Rice Pudding switch boasts a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. This difference suggests that users looking for a light, easily actuated switch should opt for the Rice Pudding, while those who enjoy a firmer push should go for the Shadow (Ink). Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier switch will influence the typing experience significantly, and each switch serves its own distinct preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we find a distinction that caters to different preferences. The Everglide Rice Pudding features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter and delivers a more responsive feel, often preferred by gamers who value quick reaction times. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, providing a deeper tactile experience that some users find more satisfying, as it avoids the abruptness that can accompany shorter switches. Therefore, if you opt for the Everglide Rice Pudding, you can expect quicker actuation for gaming, while the Aflion Shadow may better suit those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize responsiveness or appreciate a more substantial depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a deep and resonant auditory profile that creates a satisfying typing experience. The sound is described as balanced, producing a richer tone that enhances the overall enjoyment of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch presents a crisper and clackier sound, characterized by high-pitched and bright notes. This switch produces sharp, percussive auditory feedback, giving a very different and more immediate auditory satisfaction compared to the deeper thocks of the Rice Pudding. Thus, if a user prefers a more pronounced and lively sound, the Shadow (Ink) would cater to that preference, whereas those who appreciate a more subdued yet rich sound might lean towards the Rice Pudding.
Regarding feel, the Rice Pudding switch is designed to deliver a smooth operation, although the specific sensory feedback it provides is not explicitly detailed in the available information. Comparatively, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a medium-high level of tactility that is sharp and pronounced, with a prominent tactile bump that is easily felt during typing. Its dual-staged spring enhances the switch's responsiveness, contributing to a snappy experience with a noticeable rebound characteristic. While smoothness is a hallmark of the Rice Pudding, the Shadow (Ink) will appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback that is responsive without being overwhelming.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Rice Pudding excels in providing a deep, rich sound and a smooth, satisfying keypress feel, while the Shadow (Ink) captivates users with its higher-pitched, crisper auditory feedback and a lively, tactile sensation that is energetic and pronounced. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference regarding sound profile and tactile feedback, as they each offer unique qualities that can enhance the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and the kind of typing experience you seek. If you gravitate towards a lighter switch with a smooth operation and a deep, resonant sound, the Rice Pudding is an optimal fit, especially if you value versatility and compatibility with Wooting keyboards. This switch is ideal for light typists or gamers who appreciate a satisfying and precise feel without straining their fingers during long sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a medium to high tactile feel, the Shadow (Ink) is likely more suited to you. The sharper feedback and the deeper, clacky sound it offers provide a strong typing sensation that is both snappy and engaging. This switch is perfect for those who relish responsive keypresses and enjoy a notable tactile bump, making it excellent for typing enthusiasts looking for a more active connection with their keyboard. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, so consider your typing style and sonic preferences carefully to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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