Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Type S offer distinct qualities to consider. If you desire a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks while typing, the Shadow switch variant with its two-staged spring is an ideal choice. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S, from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," features a linear design with a weightier keystroke and a neutral yet deeper acoustic experience. While the Shadow switch is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped', the Type S is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Subdued'. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Type S, it is evident that they both prioritize sound profiles but achieve different results. The polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant sound experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Type S offers a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in sound characteristics make them suitable for different preferences in typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches maintain a similar approach but with different materials. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to the sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile synonymous with polycarbonate. This material's stiffness enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the typing sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Type S complements its top housing by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Type S showcase how different materials can impact the typing experience. While the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate housing, the Gateron Type S focuses on a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing. Both switches offer unique typing experiences tailored to specific preferences, highlighting the importance of housing materials in the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch both have a similar actuation force of 55 grams, meaning that they will provide a consistent feel when typing and gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 63 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Type S, which requires 65 grams to bottom out. This difference may result in a softer typing experience with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch compared to the Type S, which provides a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same level of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar typing experiences in terms of the amount of travel each key provides. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance that can provide a satisfying typing feel for users.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 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
In terms of sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing sharp and percussive noises when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound experience, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing environment. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired, with the Shadow switch being more vibrant and lively, while the Type S switch offering a more calming and subtle typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized by its sharp and accented tactile feedback, providing a distinct and responsive keypress with each stroke. The switch is also described as snappy, bouncy, and stepped, offering a dynamic and engaging typing experience. In contrast, information on the feel of the Gateron Type S switch is unavailable. However, based on the characteristics of the Shadow switch, we can infer that the Type S switch may offer a smoother and more consistent keystroke, catering to those who prefer a more linear and predictable typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics to suit different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Shadow switch provides a lively and vibrant typing experience with its clacky sound and sharp tactile feedback, while the Type S switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, potentially accompanied by a smoother and more predictable keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy a deep, resonating thock sound when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke with a neutral yet deeper acoustic experience and a sound profile that is moderate and subdued, the Gateron Type S linear switch would be the perfect fit. Consider your preferences in terms of tactility, sound, and feel when making your decision between these two switches to ensure that you find the best match for your typing style and preferences.
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