Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch. If you are in search of a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect for you. With its long, two-staged spring, this switch offers a satisfyingly deep and resonating thock sound while typing. On the other hand, if you find yourself in an environment that requires quieter typing, the Silent Ink Black is the ideal choice. This switch provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making it perfect for environments where silence is crucial. Both switches have their unique features and advantages, offering a range of experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which lends itself to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing. The INK blend is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, but without being overly sharp. It offers a satisfying thin and clacky sound profile that many find appealing. While the exact composition of this blend remains undisclosed, it produces a distinct sound that sets it apart from the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use polycarbonate. This means that they share the qualities of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile contributed by this stiffer plastic material. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, regardless of the top housing material. However, when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the top housing material will ultimately have a greater influence.
Overall, while the switches differ in their top housing materials, they share the same polycarbonate bottom housing. This ensures a consistent quality in terms of the sound profile when bottoming out. However, the distinctive characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the proprietary INK blend top housing in the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer contrasting sound experiences when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a force of 63 grams, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black is a bit heavier when it comes to providing resistance while bottoming out.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Some users prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. For these users, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring might be the preferable option due to its slightly lighter actuation force. On the other hand, for those who desire a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces might be the better choice.
In summary, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a lighter actuation force compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black, while the Silent Ink Black has a heavier bottom out force. Users seeking a lighter switch for prolonged typing may opt for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, while those desiring a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier Gateron Silent Ink Black.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch are both 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Pressing down on either switch will result in a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. As a result, users can expect a comparable tactile or linear feedback when typing or gaming with either switch. Overall, the travel distances for both switches are equal, ensuring a consistent and familiar typing experience for users.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch produces a muted sound. This means that the switch is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, resulting in a softer and quieter sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump of these switches provides a high feedback intensity, allowing you to feel each keypress distinctly. The longer and dual-staged springs in these switches make the typing experience feel more responsive and alive. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The smooth and refined finish of these switches, either due to materials used or factory lubing, results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Comparing the available information, it is clear that the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Shadow switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch produces a muted sound and offers a silky and polished typing experience.
If you are looking for a tactile switch with medium-high tactility and deep, resonating thocks, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience and a smooth, cushion-like bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy the deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silenced switch for quieter environments and a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is the ideal option. When it comes to sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Silent Ink Black switch provides a muted and quieter sound. In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing a distinct and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel, enhancing the smoothness and reducing friction during key presses. Consider your preferences and typing environment when deciding between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
