Kailh Sage vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular mechanical switches that stand out from the rest are the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Sage switches are renowned for their invigorating, crisp clickiness, accompanied by a satisfyingly heavy weight. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to their specially-designed two-staged spring. Typing on these switches results in deep, resonating thocks - a delight to the ears. While these general pointers provide an overview of what each switch has to offer, let's now delve deeper into their specific characteristics to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Sage and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice offers several similarities for both switches. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This means that when typing on either switch, you can expect a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetic with RGB lighting, users can expect similar results from both the Kailh Sage and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Kailh Sage uses nylon for its bottom housing, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. When typing on the Kailh Sage, you can anticipate a slightly duller and rounder sound due to the absorption of more sound by the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring aligns with its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This means that the sound and feel of the bottom-out when pressing down on the switch will differ between the two, with the Sage offering a deeper and fuller sound, and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring delivering a sharper and crisper tone.
Furthermore, the choice of materials in the housing also impacts the sound when releasing a key. As stated previously, the top housing plays a significant role in this aspect. Since both the Kailh Sage and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share a polycarbonate top housing, the sound when letting go of a key will exhibit similar characteristics in terms of being sharper and higher-pitched. However, the bottom housing material will still play a minor role in this aspect, meaning that there might be subtle differences in the sound between the two switches when releasing a key, with the Sage potentially offering a slightly duller and rounder sound due to its nylon bottom housing.
In summary, the similarities between the Kailh Sage and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring lie in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially ideal for RGB lighting applications. However, the differences arise in their choice of bottom housing materials, with the Sage utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring maintains the polycarbonate consistency for a sharper and higher-pitched sound. These distinctions impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, providing users with options to match their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, several differences and similarities can be observed. Starting with the actuation force, the Sage's value is currently unavailable, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Although the specific actuation force of the Sage is unknown, it can be assumed that it may be lighter compared to the Shadow switch.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Sage switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a slightly lower bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium range. This indicates that the Shadow switch may provide a slightly lighter typing experience when fully pressed compared to the Sage.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Sage switch, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. This is especially beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, which offers a stronger push feel due to its heavier forces.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Sage switch is unavailable, it is likely to be lighter than the 55-gram actuation force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. Additionally, the Sage has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Shadow switch has a slightly lighter medium bottom out force of 63 grams. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desire for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is on the shorter side, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, nowadays shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. For those who prefer a more responsive keystroke, the shorter travel distance of the Sage would be a better choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper feel. In that case, the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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
The Kailh Sage clicky switch is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience, with a heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring. Typing on the Shadow switches produces deep and resonating thocks.
In terms of sound, the Sage switch is described as crunchy, which means it produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. It also has a higher-pitched sound, making it a good choice for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a sharp tactile bump, providing a high level of feedback. They are known for their reactive and snappy feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Shadow switches also have an accented tactile feel, which means they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the longer or dual-staged springs in the Shadow switches make the typing experience feel more alive and snappy, while also giving a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation.
Overall, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage provides a crunchy sound and an invigorating feel with its heavy weight and sharp clickiness. The Shadow switch, on the other hand, offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with deep thocks, along with a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel. It is important to keep in mind that the sound and feel of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you are looking for a similar experience, choosing the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch can provide comparable results in terms of feedback and tactility.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a distinct clicky typing experience and a heavier bottom out force, then the Kailh Sage switch is your best choice. The Sage offers a refreshing sharp clickiness and invigorating feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is perfect for you. It provides deep, resonating thocks when typing and has a sharp and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly. Additionally, the Shadow switch has other descriptors such as accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, offering a range of tactile feedback options. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your desired typing experience and preference for clicky or tactile switches.
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