Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

If you're in the market for a tactile switch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4 are two excellent options to consider. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is renowned for its medium-high level of tactility, making it perfect for those seeking a satisfying typing experience. With its long, two-staged spring, this switch provides deep and resonating thocks, adding a unique auditory element to your typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, delivering a distinct tactile feedback with every press. What sets the U4 apart is its unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, providing a comfort that is hard to come by in other switches. Additionally, the U4 boasts a sound profile that is whisper quiet, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4 differ significantly in terms of the materials used. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring incorporates polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This special blend yields a rich and deep sound profile attributed to its softness. Although their sound profiles differ, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials.

When comparing the top housings, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile, particularly when the key is released. This is beneficial for those seeking a switch that offers clear and distinct sound feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a deep and rich sound profile. This creates a satisfying typing experience, especially for users who prefer a softer sound when the key is released. Despite their contrasting sound profiles, both switches offer distinctive and desirable characteristics based on their respective top housings.

The bottom housings of these switches also have notable differences. With the polycarbonate bottom housing found in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, the resulting sound profile is once again sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident, particularly in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Gazzew U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to a softer and more cushioned bottom-out sound and feel. This can lend itself to a more comfortable and tactile typing experience. Although they provide varying tactile sensations, both switches present distinct advantages based on their bottom housing materials.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4 play an integral role in their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. While the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound, the U4 employs a proprietary Gazzew blend, offering a soft and deep sound profile. However, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether one seeks a clear and resonant sound or a cushioned and tactile typing experience, these switches offer distinct advantages based on their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the U4 has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation force.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a bottom out force of 63 grams, whereas the U4 has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams. Again, both switches can be considered medium in terms of bottom out force.

In terms of weight, the U4 is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, which may appeal to individuals looking for a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is slightly heavier, providing a stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.

Overall, both switches offer a similar medium actuation and bottom out force, but the U4 provides a slightly lighter option, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is slightly heavier. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm.

A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, offering a standard depth that many users are familiar with. On the other hand, the U4's 3.6 mm travel distance falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. This variation in travel distance caters to different preferences and use cases.

For example, gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it enables faster response times during intense gaming sessions. The shorter travel distance of the U4 would be well-suited for this purpose. However, it's worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth.

If you prioritize quick and responsive actions, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance, such as the U4, would be recommended. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced and satisfying key press, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing.

Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. Both switches offer their own unique travel distances, providing distinct typing experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile. Pressing down on these switches produces a sharp and snappy sound, giving off a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a more muted and low-pitched sound. With its silent tactile design, these switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a softer and quieter typing experience.

Moving on to feel, both the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and U4 switches are described as having a sharp tactile bump. This means that they exhibit a high level of feedback intensity, allowing users to feel a prominent and distinct tactile bump with each keystroke. However, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is also described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Shadow switch benefits from its snappy and bouncy qualities, attributed to its longer and dual-staged springs, which enhance the typing experience and make it feel more lively. On the other hand, the U4 switch lacks additional descriptors, suggesting that it may not possess the same level of complexity in terms of feel.

Taking into account all the available information, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch differ in terms of sound. While the Shadow switch offers a clacky and high-pitched profile, the U4 switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a sharp tactile bump, but the Shadow switch also boasts additional descriptors such as being accented, snappy, and bouncy, offering a more versatile range of tactile feedback. However, since the U4 switch is only described as having a sharp tactile bump, it may provide a similar experience to the Shadow switch but without the added complexity. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feel.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, a deep, resonating thock sound when typing, and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, then the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, and a muted, low-pitched sound profile, then the Gazzew U4 switch would be the ideal option. Both switches offer a sharp tactile bump, but the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch also provides additional descriptors such as accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, giving a more versatile tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on your specific preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more