Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the perfect choice for you. With its long, two-staged spring, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, typing on these switches results in deep, resonating thocks that enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more luxurious typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. With its incredibly smooth feel and UHWMPE housings, each keystroke becomes a pleasure to type. Although it is categorized as having a fairly high-pitched clack, it still offers a polished and frictionless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the TKC Tangerine switches share some similarities in terms of their sound profiles. Both switches utilize unique materials in their top housings to enhance the auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine offers a very bright sound signature. Both materials contribute to producing resonant clacks and satisfying typing sounds. Additionally, both top housings are translucent, making them suitable choices for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when using these switches.
While the top housings of the two switches possess similarities, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring complements its top housing, allowing for a consistent and clear sound profile throughout keypresses. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and clear sound when bottoming out keys. On the other hand, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine introduces its own set of qualities. As a newer material for switch housings, it may offer a distinct tactile feedback and impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This suggests that the Tangerine switch may provide a different typing experience compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, particularly in terms of the tactile response during keypresses.
In summary, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the TKC Tangerine switches feature different housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, while the UHWMPE top and bottom housings of the Tangerine provide a bright and resonant sound signature. However, both switches share the advantage of translucent top housing, making them suitable for RGB lighting setups. Additionally, while the top housings play a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housings have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Users can expect a consistent and clear sound from the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, while the Tangerine might offer a unique tactile feedback and impact during typing due to its newer housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the TKC Tangerine's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams.
In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium range. This means that they provide a balanced typing experience, allowing for a comfortable amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke without being too heavy. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, and although we don't have the exact value for the TKC Tangerine, we can assume that it is similar to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring due to their similar bottom out forces.
However, it is worth noting that the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the TKC Tangerine. This lighter actuation force may be preferred by those who prefer a smoother and more effortless keystroke, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, which may be favored by users looking for a more substantial typing experience and a greater tactile feedback.
Overall, while both switches offer a medium typing experience in terms of weight, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring leans towards lighter actuation force, while the TKC Tangerine leans towards a heavier bottom out force. Choosing between the two depends on individual preferences and the desired typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from its starting position to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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, both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the TKC Tangerine switches are described as high-pitched. This means that they both produce sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. However, the Shadow switches are also described as clacky, which means that they have a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. The Tangerine switches do not have this clacky sound, but instead have a fairly high-pitched clack. It's important to note 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 Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. This means that they provide a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. They are not overwhelming or subtle in their tactility. They also offer a responsive and lively feel, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches are described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. This indicates that they offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. This smoothness is attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a tactile typing experience with a medium-high level of tactility. They have a clacky sound and a sharp, accented feel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches offer a linear typing experience with an incredibly smooth feel. They have a high-pitched clack sound and a frictionless, buttery feel. While they have different qualities, both switches offer desirable subjective experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. It is worth noting that individual results may vary based on factors such as keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with high-pitched clacks, the Tangerine switch with its UHWMPE housing would be more suitable. Both switches have similar bottom out forces of around 63 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. Overall, it is important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and your individual typing preferences when making a decision between these two switches.
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