Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Weightlessness 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 Gateron Weightlessness both present compelling options, each catering to distinct typing preferences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is renowned for its pronounced tactile feedback, delivering a medium-high level of tactility that enthusiasts love. Its unique long, two-staged spring design creates a satisfying depth and resonance with each keystroke, resulting in deep, clacky thocks that can invigorate your typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more subtle yet still engaging tactile feel, striking a balance that many find appealing for both gaming and typing. Its sound profile is characterized by its moderate resonance, making it a versatile choice that can blend seamlessly into any environment. While the Shadow may appeal to those desiring a more dynamic and sharp typing sensation, the Weightlessness serves as an excellent option for users seeking harmony between tactile feedback and auditory comfort. 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
50g
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
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Weightlessness switches create fundamentally different auditory experiences due to the distinct properties of polycarbonate and nylon. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is sharp, higher-pitched, and highly resonant. This is because polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, reflects sound more effectively, emphasizing the crispness of each keystroke. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, which produces a sound that is deeper and fuller; nylon is a softer material that absorbs sound, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Therefore, the choice of housing material significantly influences the overall sound a switch produces and highlights the contrasting characteristics of each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal of illuminated keys. This quality also adds to the clarity of the sound, as the clearer top housing contributes to the overall perception of a crisper auditory feedback. Conversely, the nylon housing of the Weightlessness does not possess the same light-transmitting properties, leading to a more subdued visual aspect when compared to the vibrant illumination of polycarbonate. This divergence in aesthetic appeal complements the differences in sound profile, where enthusiasts might choose polycarbonate for a bright lighting effect and sharp sound, while opting for nylon for a more subdued and comforting experience.
When the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) and Gateron Weightlessness are combined, they create two distinct user experiences. In the case of the Shadow (Ink), the pairing of polycarbonate materials results in a cohesive sound profile that reinforces the sharp and resonant characteristics both during a keystroke and when releasing the key. On the other hand, the Weightlessness embodies the qualities of both nylon housings, leading to a typing experience that is consistent in its deeper sound and dampened feedback. While users may achieve a similar tactile experience when typing on either switch, those preferring the clear and resonant sound will favor the Shadow (Ink), whereas those seeking a more muted output will be drawn to the Weightlessness. Ultimately, the materials used in constructing these switches yield distinctly different auditory environments, catering to diverse preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we notice some distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Shadow (Ink) has an actuation force of 55 grams, indicating a medium resistance that some users may appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness is lighter, with an actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch remains unknown, making a direct comparison challenging. The Shadow (Ink), on the other hand, has a defined bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating that it also provides a satisfying resistance when fully pressed. Overall, the Shadow (Ink) is the heavier option, while the Weightlessness offers a lighter actuation, providing users with choices based on their typing preferences and required force sensitivity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Shadow switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, appealing to gamers and those looking for quicker response times in their typing experience. Consequently, if you prefer the more robust and hearty depth of a keypress, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the better option, while the Gateron Weightlessness provides a snappier, more responsive experience with its shorter travel distance.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 offers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by deep, resonating thocks that are inherent to its clacky, high-pitched profile. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a lively acoustic environment that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a more subtle sound, complemented by a balanced tonal quality that tends to be less pronounced than the Shadow switches. While the sound experience can ultimately be influenced by the type of keycaps and board used, the Shadow’s sharper and more resonant sound is a stark contrast compared to the understated pitch of the Weightlessness.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring excels with its medium-high level of tactility, delivering a sharp, snappy response that is characterized by a strong tactile bump. The dual-staged spring enhances the typing experience, giving it a lively bounciness that users appreciate, making it ideal for those who relish an engaging and responsive keystroke. Furthermore, its stepped design allows typists to feel both pre-travel and post-travel motion, adding to the overall tactile feedback. The Gateron Weightlessness switches, however, are noted for a subtle to moderate tactile quality that may not offer the same intensity or responsiveness, making the typing experience feel more muted in comparison.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches present distinctly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Shadow switches are known for their pronounced sound profile and engaging tactile feedback, while the Weightlessness offers a more balanced sound and moderate tactile response. Depending on your preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but your choice will ultimately reflect your desired typing experience, be it lively and pronounced with the Shadows or more subtle and smooth with the Weightlessness.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and what you seek in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback and a vibrant sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is likely the better option for you. With its medium-high tactility and deep, resonating thocks, this switch caters to those who enjoy feeling a sharp tactile bump with each keypress while also relishing in a clacky and high-pitched sound—ideal for a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler tactile sensation and a more balanced sound that suits a quieter environment, the Gateron Weightlessness switch might be more to your liking. Its moderate tactile feedback offers a gentler touch, allowing for a smoother typing experience that won't overwhelm your fingers or disturb others nearby. Ultimately, think about how you type and the environment you’re often in; choose the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for a robust and dynamic feel, or the Weightlessness for a more subdued and mellow approach.
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