Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a tactile mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Jerrzi Violet. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is renowned for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks while typing, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a more clacky and sharp typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet offers a gentler tactile feel with smooth actuation and a pleasant poppy tactility, resulting in a balanced and neutral typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Jerrzi Violet both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a more resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from polycarbonate's translucency, making them ideal choices for use with RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities in top housing material, the Jerrzi Violet stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of sound and feel, the differences between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Jerrzi Violet become more apparent when looking at their bottom housings. While the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its sharp and clear sound profile, the Jerrzi Violet's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound that is deeper and fuller. This results in a distinct typing experience for each switch, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel when typing. This difference in bottom housing material showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience of a switch.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Jerrzi Violet offer a unique typing experience with their combination of top and bottom housing materials. The split of housing qualities between the top and bottom of the switch allows for different impacts on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key or letting go. While the Jerrzi Violet's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper and crisper sound that is enhanced by its stiffness. Overall, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Shadow (Ink) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a medium typing experience. In comparison, the Jerrzi Violet has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Shadow (Ink) would require a slightly heavier touch for key activation and reaching the bottom of the keystroke compared to the Violet. The actuation force is crucial for determining the sensitivity of the switch, while the bottom out force determines the overall typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users may opt for the lighter actuation force of the Violet for extended typing sessions or the heavier touch of the Shadow (Ink) for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, selecting the switch with the preferred actuation and bottom out forces would result in a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the Violet's 3.7 mm travel distance. While both fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the Shadow (Ink) switch would provide a slightly deeper press compared to the Violet switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Violet switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique tactile experience, with the choice between them depending on personal preference.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing a tactile and responsive typing experience with distinct feedback. In comparison, the Jerrzi Violet switch is also described as stepped, offering a two-stage tactile feedback that is more mild and gentle compared to the Shadow switch. Both switches provide a unique tactile feel that caters to different preferences in terms of feedback intensity and responsiveness.
Overall, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a strong and sharp tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be a great choice, offering a clacky sound and distinct tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and smooth tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, the Jerrzi Violet switch would be ideal. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a deep, resonating sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with a smooth actuation and balanced sound signature, the Jerrzi Violet switch would be a great choice. Consider your preferences in tactility, sound, and overall typing experience when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels best for your typing style.
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