Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with a satisfying tactile feel and exceptional typing experience, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4T are two options worth considering. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring. Typing on these switches elicits deep and resonating thocks, creating a truly immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, each keystroke on the U4T ensures both auditory and tactile satisfaction. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4T switches differ significantly, giving each switch its unique sound profile. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Due to its relatively stiffer nature, the polycarbonate produces a more clear and resonant sound profile that is ideal for users looking for a precise and crisp typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it especially appealing for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile to the U4T switches. The softness of the Gazzew blend creates a more mellow and bass-heavy typing experience, perfect for users who prefer a smoother and quieter sound. While it may not provide the same level of sharpness and clarity as the polycarbonate top housing, the Gazzew blend offers a distinct audio profile appreciated by those seeking a more relaxed and immersive typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches feature similar materials. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T provide similar qualities to the switch's sound and feel. These materials contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. While the specific sound and tactile feedback may differ slightly due to other design elements, users can expect comparable results in terms of bottom-out sound and feel between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4T ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound and feel. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, with its polycarbonate housing, offers a sharp and clear typing experience, complemented by its ability to showcase RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T's proprietary "boba plastic" blend creates a richer and deeper sound, resulting in a more relaxed and bass-heavy typing experience. Regardless of the differences, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there is some similarity as both switches have a medium bottom out force. However, there is a difference in their actuation forces. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) has an actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the actuation force for the Gazzew U4T is unavailable.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Shadow (Ink) switch, as its actuation force is lighter. This can be advantageous for those who engage in long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as the lighter actuation force allows for comfortable and prolonged use. On the other hand, for individuals seeking a more substantial and noticeable key press, the Gazzew U4T switch may be a preferable choice due to its potentially heavier actuation force, although the specific force is unknown. This heavier actuation force can provide a stronger push feel, resulting in a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches have a medium force of 62-63 grams, providing a consistent level of resistance when the keys are fully pressed down. Therefore, those who prioritize bottoming out or pressing all the way down on the keys will find similar results with either the Aflion Shadow (Ink) or the Gazzew U4T switches.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a known actuation force of 55 grams, making it a lighter option for extended typing sessions, while the actuation force of the Gazzew U4T switch remains unknown, potentially offering a heavier keystroke experience. Both switches share a medium bottom out force, ensuring a consistent resistance when fully pressed, catering to those who focus on bottoming out. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences regarding typing experience and desired resistance level.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a tactile switch for your keyboard. In the case of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches will result in the same 4 mm of travel. Therefore, if you are looking for a similar tactile experience with regards to travel distance, both of these switches will provide you with identical results.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving it a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that can be quite satisfying to the ears. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. With its lower frequency range, each keypress produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound akin to a deep thud or a soft knock. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, but the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring leans more towards a sharp and high-pitched sound, while the U4T offers a deeper and bassier thock.
Moving on to feel, both the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4T switches share a sharp tactile characteristic. This means that both switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with every keypress. This provides a high intensity of feedback, allowing typists to feel the actuation point clearly. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch also has additional qualities such as being accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. These features contribute to a medium-high level of tactility, a more lively typing experience, and a slight pre-travel or post-travel sensation. However, the feel of the U4T switch beyond the sharp tactility is currently unknown.
In conclusion, both the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4T switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The former provides clacky and high-pitched sound with a sharp tactile bump, while the latter offers a bassy thock sound and a sharp tactile feedback. If you prefer a crisp and bright sound with additional features like liveliness and a stepped feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you desire a deeper and richer sound profile with a strong tactile bump, the Gazzew U4T would provide auditory and tactile satisfaction. It's important to note that the sound and feel of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, regardless of the switch chosen, similar results in sound and feel can be achieved by selecting compatible components.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks while typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, along with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, then the Gazzew U4T is the ideal option.
When it comes to sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering a crisp, bright, and percussive experience. Alternatively, the U4T offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, characterized by a deeper, richer, and more satisfying tone during key presses.
As for feel, both switches have a sharp tactile bump that provides a high feedback intensity. However, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring also offers an accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel, adding a dynamic and lively sensation to your typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T focuses solely on the sharp tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gazzew U4T depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Consider the specific characteristics and features of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your desired keyboard experience. Happy typing!
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