Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two distinct options to consider are the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, each offering unique benefits to enhance your typing experience. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is renowned for its medium-high level of tactility, providing a pronounced feedback with each keystroke, characterized by deep, resonating thocks that produce a satisfying auditory response. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g boasts a whisper-quiet operation, emulating the soothing sound of raindrops while typing, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it offers a light yet satisfying keystroke, appealing to typists who prioritize comfort and subtlety. Both switches cater to different preferences: the tactile and acoustically vibrant Shadow for a more engaging experience, and the Silent Sakura for those who desire a quieter, smoother action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their top housing. The Shadow (Ink) features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is favored for its translucency, making it ideal for setups featuring RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the clear housing, creating an aesthetically pleasing effect. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's top housing is constructed from nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. This divergence in material leads to contrasting sound signatures, where the Shadow will likely produce a brighter sound while the Sakura produces a warmer listening experience.
Interestingly, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housings, creating a point of similarity between the two models. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will exhibit the distinct sharpness and clarity associated with polycarbonate in this aspect. Users can expect similar feedback upon bottoming out due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a resonant and clear auditory cue in both cases. This consistency can appeal to keyboard enthusiasts who favor a crisp bottom-out feeling regardless of the upper housing material, merging aspects of both switches.
When it comes to overall sound dynamics, the interplay between the different housing materials becomes crucial. The Shadow's top housing will ensure a clear, resonant sound when keys are released, while the nylon top of the Silent Sakura mitigates that sharpness, resulting in a softer post-press tone. Consequently, the overall typing experience will vary significantly between the two, offering distinct auditory sensations and tactile feedback. Thus, while the polycarbonate bottoms harmonize their sound feedback, the unique profiles set by the top housing materials create a sonic landscape that sums up their individual character, offering keyboard enthusiasts the opportunity to choose their ideal typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch with the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Shadow (Ink) switch features a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a heavier option that can provide a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, rendering it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. This difference indicates that users looking for a lighter switch might find the Silent Sakura's medium-light feel more comfortable, while those who appreciate a firmer push would likely favor the heavier feel of the Shadow (Ink) switch. Overall, the Shadow (Ink) is the heavier switch, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, they are identical at 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar keystroke feel, allowing for consistent actuation depth when pressing down on a key. Since their travel distances are the same, users can expect a comparable experience in terms of key response and feedback regardless of which switch they choose, making them equally versatile for various typing preferences.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch stands out with its deep, resonating thocks that create an enjoyable auditory experience during typing. This switch can produce a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering sharp and snappy keystrokes that are crisp, bright, and percussive. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is designed for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, described as reminiscent of gentle raindrops falling against a window. While the exact sound profile of the Silent Sakura is less documented, its design focuses on minimizing noise, making it ideal for shared spaces or environments where silence is preferred.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch excels with its medium-high level of tactility. It provides a sharp and well-defined tactile bump, which is complemented by its snappy and bouncy feedback, thanks to its long, dual-staged spring design. This results in a lively typing experience where each keypress feels responsive and ensures that users can distinctly feel when the switch is actuated. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g is not explicitly defined, although linear switches typically lack the pronounced tactile feedback of their tactile counterparts, suggesting a smoother keystroke experience without the tactile bump.
In conclusion, if you're seeking an engaging typing experience with audibly satisfying feedback, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is an excellent choice, offering both robust sound and tactile feedback. Conversely, for those prioritizing a quieter operation with potentially smoother keystrokes, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch would be an appropriate selection. By understanding their differences in sound and feel, you can make an informed decision on which switch fits your typing style and environment best.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you favor a more tactile feedback with a pronounced bump, paired with a satisfying sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, with its medium-high tactility and resonating thock sound, will likely be a rewarding choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a lively typing experience with sharp responsiveness and a noticeable keypress sensation. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quieter and smoother typing experience, particularly in shared or noise-sensitive environments, the Silent Sakura - 53g’s medium-light force and whisper-quiet operation are ideal. This switch is perfect for individuals who value a lighter keypress that still provides a satisfying feel without the clatter. Therefore, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize tactility and sound or prefer silence and softness in each keystroke.
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