Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Outemu Yellow Silver. If you prioritize tactility and a satisfying typing experience, the Shadow switch with its two-staged spring and medium-high level of tactility is ideal for you. The deep, resonating thocks produced while typing on these switches add to the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, if you value a lightweight actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is worth considering. Perfect for gamers and typists who prefer speed and responsiveness, this switch provides a favorable combination of quick actuation and reduced noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Outemu Yellow Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when compared to other plastics. Additionally, its translucency is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lights to shine through the switch. Therefore, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile and are visually appealing with the added RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Shadow (Ink) features polycarbonate, while the Yellow Silver uses nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound when the key is bottomed out. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate ensures that the impact of pressing down on the switch is more distinct. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In conclusion, the top housing material of both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Outemu Yellow Silver is polycarbonate, creating a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, their bottom housing materials differ, with the Shadow (Ink) utilizing polycarbonate and the Yellow Silver featuring nylon. This leads to the Shadow (Ink) producing a more distinct and resonant sound when bottoming out, while the Yellow Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Nonetheless, both switches provide unique acoustic experiences depending on the application of the housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 45 grams. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is 63 grams, while the Yellow Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier forces.
Weight plays a significant role in switch selection, as different users have varying preferences. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. These lighter switches are particularly suitable for keyboards used at work or during prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, others prefer a stronger push feel to provide a more substantial typing experience. For these users, it is essential to select switches with heavier forces.
Although the forces of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Yellow Silver differ, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, individuals using either of these switches can expect similar results when it comes to actuation and bottoming out. However, it's important to note that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is slightly heavier than the Yellow Silver, offering a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on an individual's personal preference for key force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches have the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. When pressing down on a key, users will experience a similar feeling on both switches as they reach the bottom at 4 mm. There is no significant difference in the travel distance between these two switches.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its deep, resonating thocks and clacky sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound when pressed. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more suitable for you. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a range of qualities. It is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. These tactile switches provide a high feedback intensity with a distinct and prominent tactile bump. They offer a medium level of tactility, giving you a satisfying typing experience without being overwhelming. The longer or dual-staged springs in these switches make the typing experience feel more alive and responsive. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch. However, based on its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, we can expect it to have a smooth and responsive linear feel.
In summary, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is favored for its medium-high level of tactility, deep thock sound, and range of tactile qualities. It provides a sharp and clacky sound profile, and its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch is known for its light actuation force, neutral sound profile, and suitability for gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. Although the specific feel of the Yellow Silver switch is unknown, it can be inferred that it offers a smooth and responsive linear feel. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide satisfying results, with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offering a more tactile and distinct typing experience, while the Yellow Silver switch offers a lighter and smoother linear feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is perfect for you. Its sharp and accented feel, along with its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, will provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is a great choice. It offers speediness and responsiveness, making it favorable for gamers and typists. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for tactility and sound.
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