Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch and not sure which one to choose? Allow us to introduce you to two popular options: the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Durock White Lotus. Both switches fall into the tactile category, providing a satisfying typing experience. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is best for those seeking a medium-high level of tactility, with its long, two-staged spring delivering a distinct feel. Typing on these switches produces deep and resonating thocks, providing an auditory delight. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, these switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Durock White Lotus switches differ in both their top and bottom housing components. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is also ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile, the polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring gives a more clear and resonant sound, whereas the modified PC and UPE Blend in the White Lotus offers its own distinct acoustic characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs polycarbonate once again, while the White Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with this switch. Its stiffness allows for a more resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in the White Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These contrasting properties give each switch a unique auditory experience.
While the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Durock White Lotus differ, they share some similarities as well. Both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their top housing, which leads to improved acoustics and a premium feel. Additionally, the switches' utilization of different housing materials in their bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the differences, users can expect comparable quality and performance from both switches, making them suitable choices depending on individual preferences and typing environments.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it becomes apparent that they have different weights. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the White Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a force of 63 grams, while the White Lotus only requires 56 grams.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might gravitate towards the White Lotus switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. The lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel during typing might lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. The higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger typing experience, leading to a more satisfying key press.
While the two switches differ in terms of weight, both fall under the medium range in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Therefore, if a user is looking for a similar typing feel, they can expect comparable results from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch depends on personal preferences regarding typing experience and desired key press weight.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring or the White Lotus, you can expect similar results in terms of 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is best known for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thock sound when typing. These switches produce a clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a light and delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched Shadow switch. The feel of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, offering a high feedback intensity with a prominent tactile bump. In contrast, the White Lotus switch has an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle feel, providing gentle resistance during key presses and a low-impact typing experience. Overall, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch delivers a medium-high tactility with a clacky and sharp feel, while the Durock White Lotus switch offers a light and delicate tactility with an easy-to-press and mild feel. Depending on your preferences, both switches provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a deep, resonating sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the perfect choice for you. Its two-staged spring ensures a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. However, if you prefer a lighter tactile experience that strikes a perfect balance and is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus is the better option. These switches offer a delicate tactility without overwhelming the user and also allow for vibrant RGB lighting effects. In terms of sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a clacky, high-pitched sound, while the White Lotus has a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. Additionally, if you prefer a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, or stepped feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer an easy-to-press, mild, or subtle feel, the White Lotus is the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Durock White Lotus comes down to your personal preference for tactility, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
