Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for users. If you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect for you. With its long, two-staged spring, it provides satisfying feedback and deep, resonating thocks when typing. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a different typing experience. It has a lengthened single-stage spring, creating a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches have their unique sound profiles, with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring being described as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, while the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize polycarbonate as their material for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material creates similar effects in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound for both switches. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that have RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and create visually appealing effects. Therefore, in terms of housing material, both the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Tourmaline Blue offer similar results.
However, it should be noted that if the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided. In the case of these switches, as both the top and bottom housings are made of polycarbonate, the impact of the housing material on the sound profile will be spread across the entire switch. The bottom housing, when pressed down, will contribute more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This differentiation can introduce slight variations in the overall sound and feel of the switches, despite the similarities in housing material.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share the use of polycarbonate as their housing material for both the top and bottom components. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly when combined with RGB lighting. However, if the top and bottom housings differ, there may be variations in the sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have a medium actuation force, with the Aflion Shadow requiring 55 grams and the Everglide Tourmaline needing 59 grams. This means that both switches will provide a similar level of sensitivity when triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow has a slightly lighter touch with 63 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline's 67 grams, making it preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience on their keyboards. The Aflion Shadow provides a medium weight option that is well-suited for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while the Everglide Tourmaline offers a medium-heavy force that provides a more substantial and pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This means that when pressing down on a key, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying 4 mm of travel distance. Whether you choose the Aflion Shadow (Ink) or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance experience. Both switches provide a comfortable and responsive key press with the same amount of distance traveled.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is known for its deep, resonating thock sound when typing. This creates a satisfying and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate sound that should be suitable for most users and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a range of subjective qualities. It has a sharp tactile bump, providing a high level of feedback intensity. This means that each keypress will be distinctly felt. Additionally, the switch can be described as "accented," meaning it has a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. It is also known for being snappy, thanks to its dual-staged spring, which enhances the typing experience. Lastly, the switch has a bouncy feel, giving the keys a lively and spring-like sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It is also easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This low-impact and gentle resistance makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a mild typing experience, with characteristics that fall within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Shadow switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue has a neutral sound. In terms of feel, the Shadow switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, offering a high level of tactility and feedback. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with light actuation force. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thock sound, you should go for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. If you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound and a smooth, low-impact typing feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue would be a great choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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 is the perfect choice for you. It provides a sharp and snappy clacky sound when pressed, making it ideal if you prefer a crisp and bright sound profile. With its sharp, accented, snappy, and stepped feel, you'll experience high feedback intensity and a prominent tactile bump with each keystroke.
On the other hand, if you desire a linear switch with a balanced sound and feel, the Tourmaline Blue is the way to go. It offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue has a neutral sound, making it suitable for most purposes. Its buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance and effort required.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize tactility and a sharper sound and feel, go for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. However, if you prefer a balanced and low-impact typing experience with a linear switch, the Tourmaline Blue is the better option for you. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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