Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to tactile sensations and sound profiles, making the comparison between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) particularly intriguing. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is celebrated for its prominent tactile feedback, delivering a medium-high level of tactility that is accentuated by its unique two-staged long spring. This results in a delightful typing experience characterized by deep, resonating thocks and categorized descriptors like “clacky,” “bouncy,” and “snappy,” appealing to those who appreciate feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) excels with its Ly stems, providing a super smooth linear typing experience that is both quiet and efficient, favored by users who prefer seamless keystrokes without tactile bumps. Its resonant sound profile caters to those who enjoy a satisfying yet unobtrusive auditory experience while typing. Each switch serves different preferences: for tactile feedback and resonant sounds, the Shadow is an exceptional choice, whereas the Tomcat delights users with its smoothness and silence. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), it's clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to similarities in sound performance. The polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both models. This sonic clarity can be particularly beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting since the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual dynamics of backlit keyboards. Therefore, when contemplating usage in setups with light effects, both switches will deliver a similar experience in terms of aesthetics and auditory feedback stemming from their polycarbonate top housing.

In contrast, the bottom housings of these switches present a distinct divergence in material choice, which results in different sound profiles. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent crispness and resonance that complements its top. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a rounder auditory experience, which contrasts sharply against the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate. This differentiation means that while the top sounds may be similar, the bottom-out experience will have noticeably different characteristics depending on the model of the switch.

Ultimately, the combined effects of the materials in each housing result in unique typing experiences, despite some similarities in sound from the polycarbonate top housings. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a more coherent sound profile from top to bottom due to the uniformity of polycarbonate's properties. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy)'s nylon bottom housing alters the experience by softening the impact and dampening the sound when bottoming out. Users should consider that if overall sound clarity and resonance are their priorities, the Shadow would be advantageous, while those seeking a fuller, softer sound might lean towards the Tomcat with its nylon bottom. Thus, the choice between these switches may hinge on individual preferences regarding auditory feedback and typing feel.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, both switches exhibit similar actuation forces, with both requiring 55 grams of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This similarity indicates that users will experience comparable response times during typing and gaming, making both switches suitable for extended use without causing undue fatigue. However, the bottom out force differs slightly; the Shadow requires 63 grams to bottom out, while the Tomcat requires a marginally heavier 64 grams. This means that while both switches provide a medium actuation force for a light typing experience, the Tomcat's bottom out feels more robust due to its slightly increased resistance. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch may lean towards the Shadow, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial feel might prefer the Tomcat.

Travel distance

The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means the Shadow (Ink) offers a more pronounced keypress, providing a deeper tactile experience that some users may prefer for its feedback and pronounced actuation. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor a quicker response time, which can be particularly advantageous in gaming scenarios. Consequently, if you prioritize responsiveness and a more immediate key action, the Tomcat would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a more substantial and hearty feeling when typing, the Aflion Shadow's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, whether one appreciates the characteristics of a longer or shorter travel distance comes down to personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized by deep, resonating thocks that give a rich auditory experience, which can be classified as clacky and high-pitched. This engaging sound profile is both sharp and crisp, making it a delight for those who appreciate a more percussive typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch shares a resonant sound profile, though specific descriptors about its sound characteristics are unknown. However, given this commonality in resonance, both switches may deliver satisfying acoustic feedback during typing, albeit with potentially different tonal qualities.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a multi-faceted tactile experience, described with terms like sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. The strong feedback intensity and pronounced tactility cater to users who prefer a more dynamic and responsive typing experience. The dual-staged spring mechanism enhances this liveliness, resulting in a delightful rebound effect upon keypresses. Conversely, the feel attributes of the Tomcat (Heavy) are not specified, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, the switch is known for its smooth typing experience, suggesting a focus on enjoyable key travel that might differ from the tactile nuances offered by the Shadow.

In summary, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch stands out with its distinguished sound and tactile feedback, delivering a robust and lively typing experience. While we can confirm that both switches have resonant sound profiles, the Shadow switch offers a clear advantage in terms of detailed feel descriptors that cater to tactile preferences. If you seek more pronounced feedback and sound from your mechanical keyboard, the Shadow may be the more appealing option, while the Tomcat may still provide an enjoyable experience albeit with unknown tactile characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a typing experience that features a pronounced tactile feedback with a medium to high level of tactility, then the Shadow switch is an excellent fit for you. Its sharp, snappy, and bouncy nature makes every keypress feel lively, and the unique dual-spring design enhances responsiveness, giving you that satisfying, deep thock sound that can elevate your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear experience with less tactile feedback, the Tomcat switch may be the better choice. Its medium-heavy spring resistance is conducive to a fluid typing experience without the interruption of noticeable tactile bumps, making it ideal for both fast typing and long writing sessions. Furthermore, the resonant sound profile of the Tomcat complements its smoothness, ensuring a pleasant auditory feedback without being overly clacky. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desired balance between tactile feel and sound, guiding you to select the switch that aligns with how you engage with your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more