Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct tactile experiences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch known for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks while typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is a linear switch with lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. If you prefer a switch with a tactile response and a satisfying click, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize speed and smoothness in your typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie Silver could be the ideal option. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it is evident that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver employs POM for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper, more muted sound profile. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice between polycarbonate and POM ultimately comes down to personal preference.
One key difference between the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Smoothie Silver is the aesthetic appeal of their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is transparent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver is not transparent, giving it a more traditional appearance. This difference in appearance may influence the overall design and customization options for each switch, catering to different preferences in terms of aesthetics.
Overall, the choice between the housing materials of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Smoothie Silver will impact the sound profile and feel of each switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring creates a sharper sound profile, while the POM material in the Smoothie Silver produces a deeper, more muted sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a unique visual element that may appeal to users looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Smoothie Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the heavier one with an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requiring 63 grams and the Smoothie Silver having an unknown bottom out force. The actuation force is critical for triggering a keystroke efficiently, while the bottom out force measures the maximum force required to press the key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie Silver for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the heavier push of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink). The 4.0mm travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) is more traditional, providing a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Smoothie Silver offers a shallower press, which can be favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches have their own advantages depending on individual preferences and intended use. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user values a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 comparing the sound of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see that the Shadow switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which can be described as sharp, crisp, and percussive. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch's sound profile is not listed, but it is known for a thocky sound. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Shadow switch leaning towards a sharper sound and the Smoothie Silver providing a deeper thock.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is known for its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback. This means that users can expect a high level of tactile feedback with distinct bumps at different stages of the keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is not described in the provided information. However, it is known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, which suggests a smoother keystroke experience without the tactile feedback found in the Shadow switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Shadow switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound along with sharp, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch offers a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, making it a great option for users who prioritize a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. Both switches have their strengths and can cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a medium-high level of tactility with a deep, resonating sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and unparalleled smoothness, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactility and sound profile.
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