Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Shadow switch caters to users who enjoy a tactile feedback sensation, presenting a medium-high level of tactility that provides satisfying deep thocks with every keystroke. Its unique two-staged spring design not only enhances the tactile response but also contributes to an overall bouncy and snappy feel, making it an attractive option for typists who appreciate an engaging keystroke experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire inputs, perfect for those intense gaming sessions. With its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth operation, this switch ensures that your gaming actions are both swift and satisfying. While both switches have their strengths—tactility and sound versus speed and smoothness—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the HMX Vintage Citrus differ notably in their housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Shadow (Ink) features polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings. This choice results in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate’s stiffer composition enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate not only complements RGB lighting aesthetically but also contributes to the overall clarity of sound when the key is released. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus's top and bottom housings are crafted from nylon, a softer plastic that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound waves. This results in a duller yet rounder auditory experience, ideal for users seeking a softer typing sound without the bright edges typical of polycarbonate.
When it comes to how these materials affect performance, the impact of the housing material extends beyond mere sound profiles. In the Aflion Shadow (Ink), the dual use of polycarbonate in both components ensures consistency in auditory feedback throughout the typing experience. The crispness of the top housing is complemented by the same qualities in the bottom housing, allowing the user to enjoy a coherent sound from both the bottom out and key release. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its nylon construction, emphasizes a more muted response, where the softer nature of the material leads to a sound signature that absorbs impact rather than amplifying it. This contrast results in a keypress experience that prioritizes comfort over immediate auditory feedback, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued typing sensation.
Ultimately, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the HMX Vintage Citrus employ different housing materials, both serve unique purposes that cater to various user preferences. Those who favor a lively and bright sound will likely gravitate toward the polycarbonate housed switches, as this material will produce a sharper audio experience, especially under RGB lighting. On the other hand, users who appreciate the cushioned, rich sound provided by softer materials may prefer the Vintage Citrus, as its nylon compound creates a more enveloping auditory experience. Both options can yield satisfying results based on individual typing styles, whether through the vibrant clarity of polycarbonate or the comforting fullness of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a heavier option compared to the Vintage Citrus, which features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This difference emphasizes that those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Shadow (Ink), while users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions would likely favor the Vintage Citrus. Overall, the Shadow (Ink) switch's heavier weights offer a more pronounced feedback, while the Vintage Citrus caters to a lighter, more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there's a notable difference to consider. The Shadow (Ink) switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Vintage Citrus switch, with its 3 mm travel distance, is the shorter choice. Traditionally, 4 mm is viewed as a more conventional depth, providing a more pronounced keystroke feel that some users appreciate for its feedback. Conversely, the 3 mm travel distance of the Vintage Citrus caters to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive keystroke, often favored by gamers seeking faster reaction times. Ultimately, if one prefers a more deeper and hearty keypress, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) switch would be preferable; however, for a quicker, more nimble experience, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch would be the better choice.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces deep, resonating thocks that create a rich auditory experience while typing. This sound profile can be categorized as clacky and high-pitched, providing a bright and sharp sound that many users appreciate for its clarity. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is specifically designed for gaming and is likely to produce a bright, clacky sound as well. However, without specific descriptors provided for the Vintage Citrus, we can infer that its sound may complement the rapid-fire inputs it is tailored for, although the details of its acoustic qualities remain less defined.
Regarding the feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring excels with its medium-high tactility, characterized by sharp, accented feedback that allows users to distinctly feel each keystroke. The use of a longer, two-staged spring contributes to a snappy and bouncy sensation, making the typing experience feel dynamic and engaging. On the other hand, the feel of the Vintage Citrus is not explicitly described, but its focus on low actuation force might suggest a smoother, albeit different, experience relative to the tactile feedback provided by the Shadow switch. This may lead to a more linear push feel, beneficial in fast-paced gaming scenarios, but lacks the tactile sensation that the Shadow switch offers.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different user preferences, the Shadow switch provides pronounced tactile feedback and an appealing sound profile, ideal for typists who enjoy a robust experience. The Vintage Citrus, while potentially lacking some of the tactile richness, focuses primarily on facilitating rapid inputs with a smooth feel and a likely sharp acoustic signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on whether one prefers tactile responsiveness or linear smoothness and rapid activation, highlighting the diverse capabilities mechanical switches can offer to users based on their specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your typing and gaming preferences. If you appreciate tactile feedback with a prominent bump and a satisfying sound, the Shadow (Ink) is an excellent option, especially for typing tasks where the medium-high tactility and the deep thock sound can enhance your experience. This switch is particularly beneficial for writers or programmers who desire a dynamic response and a lively typing sensation. On the other hand, if you're someone who enjoys fast-paced gaming or requires rapid keystrokes, the Vintage Citrus's lighter actuation force and smooth push feel will serve you well. Its low actuation point allows for quick command inputs, making it optimal for competitive gaming scenarios, while its clacky sound adds an exciting auditory feedback without the pronounced tactility that might slow you down. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value tactile acuity for typing or the speed and fluidity required in gaming.
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