Huano Sakura vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Huano Sakura and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring become strikingly apparent. The Sakura, a linear switch, is renowned for its feather-light actuation and medium acoustics, making it an ideal choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions where smooth key presses are paramount. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring stands out as a tactile switch, offering a medium-high level of tactility accompanied by deep, resonating thocks as you type. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke, providing an engaging and satisfying typing experience. While the Sakura is designed for effortless typing with a focus on comfort, the Shadow switch appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate the rhythm and feedback of tactile engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
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
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide an interesting contrast in sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Sakura's top housing is made from polyketone (POK), known for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction that allows for a fluid keystroke experience. Its exceptional wear resistance and shock absorption also contribute to a robust and reliable switch, leading to a smooth, clacky sound with enhanced durability. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material’s stiffness enhances the clarity of each key press, making it particularly appealing for users who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience.
When examining the bottom housing materials, the differences become more pronounced. The Sakura’s nylon bottom housing offers a softer, fuller sound profile, damping the noise with a rounder character. This creates a contrast to the sound signature provided by polycarbonate, which is used in both the top and bottom of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The polycarbonate bottom housing produces a crisp, resonant tone, aligning with the higher-pitched sound profile of its top housing. The use of nylon in the Sakura not only influences the sound but also adds a certain warmth and depth that may appeal to users seeking a more subdued auditory experience.
In terms of overall performance, both switches showcase unique qualities derived from their different housing materials. The combination of a POK top and nylon bottom in the Sakura promotes a smooth and clacky typing experience, while the polycarbonate top and bottom in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring accentuate clarity and brightness in sound. If users are aiming for similar results, such as a satisfying keystroke, they might consider the contrasting effects of these housing materials on sound and feel. Each switch’s performance will reflect a balance between housing materials—users can expect the sound to be influenced predominantly by the top housing while the bottom housing contributes to the overall tactile feedback during key presses.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feedback for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Furthermore, the bottom out force of the Sakura is 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) switch bottoms out at 63 grams, reinforcing the notion that the Shadow switch offers a firmer typing experience overall. In essence, the Huano Sakura is more suited for users seeking a light touch, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) caters to those who enjoy a heavier keypress.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Sakura the shorter option, appealing to users who favor quicker response times, particularly gamers who benefit from the shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) with its 4 mm travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced feel and depth with each keystroke, offering a more tactile experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Huano Sakura is the way to go, whereas those who appreciate a deeper actuation may gravitate towards the Aflion Shadow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch is characterized by its medium acoustics, which results in a pleasant, balanced auditory experience that is well-suited for extended typing sessions without being too disruptive. This moderate sound profile allows for a subtle yet satisfying keypress without overwhelming the user or others in a shared workspace. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch produces a combination of clacky and high-pitched sounds. The clackiness gives it a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can elevate the typing experience, producing a bright and crisp sound that may appeal to users who enjoy a more dynamic acoustic presence. Thus, while both switches provide enjoyable sound experiences, they cater to different acoustic preferences.
In terms of feel, the Sakura switch is renowned for its feather-light touch, designed for comfort during long typing sessions. It offers a smooth actuation that makes key presses effortless, contributing to an overall experience that emphasizes ease of use over strong tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is engineered for users who appreciate a pronounced tactile experience with its medium-high tactility. This switch offers sharp and snappy tactile feedback, allowing typists to feel each keystroke distinctly, which can enhance precision and responsiveness. Additionally, the bouncy nature of the Shadow switch gives it a lively feel, making it highly engaging in comparison to the more subdued experience of the Sakura.
In conclusion, selecting between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch ultimately boils down to personal typing preferences. The Sakura is well-suited for those prioritizing a soft touch with moderate sound, making it ideal for long sessions where comfort is key. Conversely, the Shadow switch caters to those who enjoy pronounced tactile feedback and more vibrant auditory feedback, adding a layer of excitement to the typing experience. Both switches will provide rewarding experiences, but the choice depends on whether you value a light feel with smoothness or a more tactile, responsive engagement with pronounced sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch should be guided by your specific preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a lighter touch and a more fluid typing experience, particularly for extended sessions, the Sakura is your best bet. Its 45-gram bottom-out force offers a sensitivity that can reduce finger fatigue, making it excellent for those who enjoy a smoother keypress with medium acoustics. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and sound when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is likely to suit you better. With a medium-high bottom-out force of 63 grams, this switch delivers an intense tactile bump that can invigorate your typing experience with its deep, resonant thocks and snappy response. Furthermore, if you enjoy pronounced tactile sensations and a crisp, clacky sound, the Shadow (Ink) will provide the lively feedback that many tactile switch enthusiasts crave. Therefore, reflect on your typing style, desired feedback, and sound preferences to make the most informed choice between these two unique switches.
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