Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Huano Strawberry Latte provide distinct options that cater to differing preferences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch renowned for its medium-high tactility, offering a satisfying “thock” sound that resonates deeply with each keystroke. Its unique long, two-staged spring ensures a bouncy and snappy feel, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances both typing accuracy and enjoyment. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a linear switch celebrated for its ultra-smooth keystrokes, built with the latest molds from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile—one that strikes a perfect chord between being noticeable yet not overly loud. This makes the Strawberry Latte perfect for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience, free from the distractions of tactile bumps. Each switch has its strengths, catering to enthusiasts who either relish in the tactile feedback of the Shadows or prefer the effortless glide of the Strawberry Lattes. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it is clear that they exhibit different material properties, contributing distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the key presses. The translucence of polycarbonate also allows for optimum RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for those who prioritize aesthetics in their keyboard setups.
In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs POK material for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. The POK top housing significantly contributes to the smoothness and clackiness of the switch, making it ideal for users who favor tactile feedback and a certain responsiveness in their keystrokes. The nylon bottom housing, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This difference means that while the top housing of the Strawberry Latte enhances the switch's sound during the upward motion, the nylon bottom housing tempers the overall sound and feel of the key press, resulting in a unique auditory experience.
Despite these differences, both switches can provide similar results in certain scenarios, especially when it comes to sound customization and tactile feedback. For users looking to optimize their typing experience, the contrasting properties of the top and bottom materials in each switch will influence the overall feel but can still yield satisfaction based on personal preference. The Shadow's purely polycarbonate construction allows for a consistent sound across the key press, while the blended materials of the Strawberry Latte can enhance the dynamics of typing through the combination of sharper key releases and rounded bottom-out sounds. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feedback, and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Shadow (Ink) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience appreciated by those who prefer stronger feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor quicker, more effortless keypresses, especially during extended use such as work or gaming sessions. Given this, the Aflion Shadow is better suited for those who enjoy a firmer push, while the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a more relaxed typing feel. Thus, for users looking for longer typing comfort, the Strawberry Latte is the preferred choice, whereas the Shadow appeals to those who want a more tactile and resistant experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we observe a notable difference. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Shadow switch more traditional and potentially more appealing for users who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte's shorter travel distance is suited for those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes, such as gamers, who benefit from fast response times. Ultimately, if you enjoy a hearty depth, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the better choice, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte caters to those seeking a more abrupt and responsive typing experience.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 offers a notably clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. Its deep, resonating thocks resonate when typing, providing a sharp and percussive sound that can be particularly satisfying to some users. This stands in contrast to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, which is characterized by a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While the Strawberry Latte may not elicit the same vivid sound as the Shadow, it creates a more subdued typing experience, making it versatile for different environments.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is known for its sharp tactile feedback and prominent tactility. The switch is designed with a long, two-staged spring that offers a snappy and bouncy experience, allowing for an engaging typing sensation with each keystroke. The tactile bump is distinctly felt, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a lively and responsive typing environment. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte remains unspecified, which means that while its smoothness is highlighted, its overall tactile response in comparison to the Shadow is uncertain.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present unique qualities for different typing preferences. The Shadow stands out with its clacky sound and sharp tactile feedback, ideal for those seeking an engaging and responsive typing experience, while the Strawberry Latte offers a more balanced sound profile and an expectation of smoothness, though its tactile characteristics remain unknown. Ultimately, whether you prefer the pronounced feedback of a tactile switch or the subtlety of a linear switch will depend on your personal taste and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you're looking for a switch that provides a pronounced tactile feedback with a sharper, crisper sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is ideal. Its medium-high tactility, combined with a clacky sound and the unique bouncing sensation from its two-staged spring, makes it perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience—ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with lighter resistance, the Strawberry Latte linear switch is your go-to option. With its lower actuation force and balanced sound profile, it offers a comfortable and quiet typing experience, making it well-suited for long typing sessions or a noise-sensitive environment. Ultimately, consider what matters more to you: the tactile response and auditory feedback of the Shadow, or the smoothness and gentler sound of the Strawberry Latte, and choose accordingly to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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