Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stand out as popular options with unique features. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch known for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear switch that offers a smooth and creamy typing experience thanks to its use of POK in the stem and bottom housing. While the Shadow switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized as buttery, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding between them. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we find some similarities and key differences. Both switches feature unique housing materials in their construction, with the Shadow (Ink) utilizing polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for a proprietary KTT blend top housing and a POK bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, providing clarity and resonance. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, which may appeal to those seeking a different auditory experience.
The choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate top and bottom housing both contribute to its sharp, clear sound profile, creating a distinct typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's combination of a proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing results in a different sound profile, emphasizing high-pitched tones and a clacky feel. While both switches are designed to offer unique experiences, their housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall typing feel and sound output.
In terms of durability and aesthetics, the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream showcase different characteristics. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's use of polycarbonate allows for translucency, making it suitable for RGB lighting and providing a sleek look. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing boasts exceptional durability, with wear resistance surpassing other materials like POM and Nylon. Each switch's housing materials bring a distinct combination of sound profile, feel, and durability, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, both switches offer solid performance based on the unique properties of their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter in both aspects. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 63 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 43 grams to actuate and 48 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a light switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their weight - the Shadow (Ink) providing a more substantial feel with its heavier forces, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it on the longer side compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The longer travel distance of the Shadow switch may provide a deeper and more satisfying typing experience for some users, while the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched experience, providing a sharp and snappy sound when typing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is also high-pitched with a marbly and resonant quality, resulting in a clean and sharp auditory experience. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Shadow switch delivering a deeper thock and the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offering a brighter and more resonant tone.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a sharp, accented, and snappy feedback with a bouncy and stepped sensation. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, offering a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience akin to gliding your fingers across the keys. Both switches excel in providing unique tactile feedback, with the Shadow switch emphasizing a sharper and more pronounced tactile bump while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch focuses on a smoother and more uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Shadow switch excels in delivering a deep and resonating thock with a sharp and snappy sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its creamy and buttery feel with a high-pitched and marbly sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, these switches provide a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer a more tactile and bouncy feedback or a smoother and creamier sensation, both switches offer an exceptional typing experience that caters to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch is best suited for your needs, you should choose the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility with deep thocks during typing. The Shadow switch offers a sharp and snappy sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a crisp and high-pitched auditory experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing sensation, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is the way to go. With a light bottom out force and a buttery, creamy feel, these switches provide an effortless and uniform typing experience. Additionally, the high-pitched and marbly sound signature of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch adds a unique touch to your typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel.
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