Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Aflion Thunder Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is tailored for those who crave a tactile typing experience with a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its two-staged spring design. This switch delivers deep, resonating thocks for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion provides a pronounced tactile bump while maintaining a harmonious balance and a medium weight feel. Its 63.5g bottom-out weight adds to the overall typing experience, complemented by a neutral sound signature. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing look. However, the Thunder Shadow separates itself with a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch.
The use of different housing materials in the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Aflion Thunder Shadow showcases how the top and bottom housings can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. With polycarbonate top housings in both switches, the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile is similar, delivering a clear and resonant typing experience. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow offers a unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller, with a rounder and duller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate material. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can influence the overall typing experience and sound feedback of a switch.
Overall, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Aflion Thunder Shadow demonstrate the importance of housing materials in creating a unique sound profile for mechanical switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing sets it apart with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference showcases how the combination of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom and top housings each playing a role in the sound and feel of the switch. Whether using polycarbonate or nylon, the choice of housing material can greatly influence the sound feedback and tactile experience of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams and 63.5 grams respectively, making them similar in that aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the heavier bottom-out force of the Thunder Shadow provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Thunder Shadow. Despite this, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference; those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Thunder Shadow with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper press may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Ultimately, the travel distance of these switches offers a different typing experience, but either one can provide satisfactory results depending on the user's preference.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 its clacky and high-pitched tones, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile that may appeal to those who prefer a more percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option suitable for various settings and preferences. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on the specific auditory experience desired during typing.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized by its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile features, providing a tactile typing experience that is both lively and dynamic. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive response, creating an immersive typing sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile profiles that cater to different preferences in terms of feedback intensity and responsiveness, making them suitable options for users seeking a specific tactile typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer distinct sound and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with sharp and responsive tactile feedback, the Thunder Shadow switch offers a neutral sound signature with an invigorating tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing, ensuring a customized typing experience based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks while typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced tactile bump with a harmonious balance, neutral sound signature, and a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Thunder Shadow is the better choice. Additionally, if you prefer a sharp and clacky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is more suitable, while the Thunder Shadow offers a more neutral sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel when selecting between these two excellent switch options from Aflion.
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