Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the HMX Xinhai offer unique experiences for users. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch known for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks while typing. In contrast, the Xinhai is a linear switch crafted with a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Shadow switch is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped', the Xinhai is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. Depending on your preferences for tactility and acoustics, you may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring or the HMX Xinhai. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the HMX Xinhai feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for switches with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, while the Xinhai uses nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the HMX Xinhai results in a variation in sound and feel when typing on these switches. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai creates a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing the bottom-out experience. This showcases how the housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience of a switch.
In conclusion, both switches share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile suitable for RGB lighting. However, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the bottom-out experience, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials significantly impact the sound and feel of each switch, showcasing the importance of material selection in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Xinhai has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Xinhai makes it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial typing feel, which may be preferred by those seeking a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, providing a good balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it ideal for those who prefer quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster input recognition. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed or prefer a more deliberate key press. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, producing a sharp and percussive sound that is bright and crisp. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch also exhibits a clacky sound profile, but with a softer acoustics profile due to its unique PA12 top housing. While both switches share the clacky attribute, the Shadow switch leans towards a higher-pitched sound, offering a more intense auditory experience compared to the Xinhai. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a high level of tactility with a strong, distinct tactile bump. This switch also offers a bouncy sensation and a lively typing experience, thanks to its double-spring design. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The Xinhai switch focuses on a softer and more elastic feel compared to the sharper and more accentuated tactile feedback of the Shadow switch. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
Overall, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch and the HMX Xinhai switch each bring distinctive qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Shadow switch excels in providing a sharp, high-pitched sound with a strong tactile bump, while the Xinhai switch offers a softer acoustics profile and a creamy typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more intense and sharp tactile feedback or a smoother and more elastic feel, you can choose between the Shadow or Xinhai switches to customize your typing experience to your liking. Both switches showcase innovative designs and unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy the deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a softer acoustics profile, and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the HMX Xinhai linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Remember, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is known for its sharp and high-pitched sound, while the Xinhai offers a clacky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped sensation, whereas the Xinhai offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for tactility, sound, and feel. Choose wisely based on what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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