Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Sakura Pink is a linear switch, known for its super light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for delicate typists. With a gliding type feel and frictionless operation, it offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch that provides a medium-high level of tactility through its long, two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches results in deep, resonating thocks, adding a satisfying clacky sound to your typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics and benefits that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetics with their polycarbonate housings.
However, the Sakura Pink and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may differ slightly in terms of their specific sound characteristics, even though they share the same housing material. As the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, the Sakura Pink and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may have subtle variations in tactile feedback and smoothness during key press. Similarly, the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released, which may differ slightly between the two switches. These distinctions might result in nuanced differences in the overall typing experience between the Sakura Pink and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, despite their shared polycarbonate housing material.
In conclusion, the Everglide Sakura Pink and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provide similar results due to their usage of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. This common material ensures a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while also allowing for vibrant RGB lighting. However, potential variations in tactile feedback and key release sound may arise, as the qualities of the polycarbonate housing are split between the top and bottom of the switches. Overall, both switches offer high-quality and aesthetically pleasing options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Sakura Pink offers a lighter experience. The Sakura Pink requires an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those seeking a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a slightly heavier feel, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. This makes it a solid choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While the Sakura Pink is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring falls into the medium range. It is important to consider the weight of the switch when choosing between the two as it can greatly impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who desire the ability to type for longer durations may appreciate the lighter Sakura Pink switch, while those seeking a stronger push feel may find the heavier forces of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring more suitable. Overall, both switches offer distinct experiences, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance they travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. Therefore, whether you choose the Sakura Pink or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 Sakura Pink switches produce a muted sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular or clacky switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are known for their clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. The Sakura Pink switches give a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch to your typing sessions. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, on the other hand, provide deep and resonating thocks when typing. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps selected.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, allowing for seamless and effortless typing. They also have an easy-to-press actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Sakura Pink switches offer a responsive and low-impact typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. These switches provide a high feedback intensity with a distinct tactile bump felt with each keypress. The keys have a lively feel with a rebound effect when pressed. They offer a unique tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
Overall, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a playful poppy sound. They are ideal for delicate typists who prefer a low-impact and effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a more tactile typing experience with a high feedback intensity and distinct tactile bump. They offer a clacky sound and lively feel, making them suitable for typists who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. While the Sakura Pink switches and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have different qualities, both provide enjoyable and unique typing experiences in their respective ways. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to achieve similar typing results.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you are a delicate typist who prefers a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Sakura Pink is the ideal choice for you. With its light actuation force of 45 grams, it provides a buttery, creamy, and frictionless feel, allowing for low-impact typing and reducing finger fatigue. The Sakura Pink also produces a muted sound, perfect for those who prefer a softer and quieter keyboard.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility and a more pronounced feedback, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch would be more suitable. With its higher bottom out force of 63 grams and its two-staged spring, the Shadow switch offers a sharp and snappy feel. It is known for its sharp, accented, and snappy tactile bump, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. Additionally, the Shadow switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a crisp and bright sound profile.
Ultimately, the decision between the Sakura Pink and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring comes down to your personal preference for actuation force, tactility level, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider the type of typing experience you desire, whether it be effortless and smooth or tactile and responsive. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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