Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference when it comes to tactile feedback and sound profile. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch stands out in the tactile category, offering an engaging typing experience with its medium-high tactility and long, two-staged spring, which delivers satisfying, deep thocks with every keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile bump that enhances their typing rhythm. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch caters to users seeking a smoother, linear typing experience. With its light actuation force and rounded sound profile, the Yunhai is perfect for typists who prefer a gentler, more effortless feel while typing. While both switches offer unique advantages—tactility and auditory feedback from the Shadow vs. the feather-light softness of the Yunhai—choosing the right one for your keyboard can greatly influence your overall typing comfort and efficiency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the TTC Yunhai exemplify two distinct approaches to switch housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Shadow (Ink) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics, which lend clarity and resonance to the sound. In contrast, the Yunhai employs a nylon top housing that embodies traditional qualities, offering a deeper and fuller sound rather than the bright clarity prevalent in polycarbonate switches. This fundamental difference in top housing materials results in contrasting auditory sensations when the switches are actuated, fundamentally shaping the user's typing experience.
Examining the bottom housings, the differences between the two switches remain evident. The Shadow (Ink) continues with polycarbonate, reinforcing the sharper sound characteristics it brings to its overall profile, whereas the Yunhai utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material's propensity to absorb sound creates a duller and rounder acoustic output than its polycarbonate counterpart, making the bottom-out experience of the Yunhai notably distinct. Consequently, each switch contributes to its unique sound signature: the Shadow (Ink) instills clarity and precision through its hard plastic, while the Yunhai emphasizes a soft, mellow tone through its more yielding material.
Despite the differences in the housing materials, it's noteworthy that both switches can still achieve great performance and sound, albeit in contrasting manners. While the Shadow (Ink) promotes a sharp and vibrant typing feel, the Yunhai emphasizes a warm and rounded acoustic experience. Users can experience satisfying results through each switch due to their respective strengths; the polycarbonate used in the Shadow (Ink) can provide an engaging and lively experience, especially suited for RGB lighting effects, whereas the Yunhai's nylon composition caters to those who prefer a more subdued and cushioned feel. Ultimately, both designs showcase the distinctive qualities their materials offer while creating unique outcomes that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which lends it a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is significantly lighter, featuring an actuation force of just 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter force makes the Yunhai switch more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to actuate. Overall, users seeking a heavier switch for more pronounced feedback would prefer the Shadow (Ink), while those who favor a lighter, more effortless experience may opt for the Yunhai. The marked difference between the two switches highlights distinct user preferences regarding tactile feedback and actuation effort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Shadow switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Yunhai switch measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Shadow switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial depth that some users may find beneficial for a tactile feel, particularly those who appreciate a hearty keypress. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers who favor a more responsive and quicker actuation, resulting in faster response times. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference: if you desire a deeper, more deliberate press, the Aflion Shadow Double Spring is the better option, while the TTC Yunhai would be ideal for those who favor a quicker and more efficient typing or gaming experience.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 sound produced by the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is characterized by deep, resonating thocks, which offer a rich auditory experience. This switch's acoustic profile can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy a satisfying, bass-heavy sound when typing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch boasts a deep, rounded sound profile, making it suitable for users who prefer a smoother auditory experience. While both switches offer unique sound qualities, the Shadow’s thock may be perceived as more robust and punchy, whereas the Yunhai provides a softer sound. Ultimately, your chosen keyboard construction and keycap material will further influence the final acoustic outcomes of each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch excels in providing a sharp and snappy tactile experience thanks to its medium-high tactility and longer two-staged spring mechanism. Users can expect an intense feedback with a pronounced tactile bump that is both responsive and lively, resembling a bouncy quality when engaged. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch emphasizes a feathery touch, requiring minimal effort to actuate. This gentle feel can be advantageous for extended typing sessions as it reduces the strain on fingers. The dissimilarity in feedback intensity and tactile response between the two switches means that users will have markedly different typing experiences, with the Shadow providing more pronounced tactility and the Yunhai being lighter and easier to press.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Shadow switch offers a deep thock and sharp tactile feedback, perfect for users who enjoy more pronounced sensations, the Yunhai provides a smooth, rounded sound along with an incredibly light feel that emphasizes ease of use. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you seek a tactile experience with notable feedback or a lighter, smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that is both pronounced and sharp, with a higher actuation force (63 grams) to give your fingers a little more resistance, the Shadow switch would be the way to go. Its deep, resonant sound and medium-high tactility make it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging and lively typing experience, especially suited for heavier typing or even gaming scenarios where feedback is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more effortless typing feel, the TTC Yunhai linear switch, with its lighter actuation force of 50 grams, will suit you better. Its feathery lightness promotes comfort during long typing sessions, making it a great choice for tasks that require long periods of typing, such as coding, writing, or casual gaming. In essence, consider the Shadow switch for a distinctly tactile experience with resonant feedback, while the Yunhai linear switch offers a gentle, seamless flow that minimizes finger fatigue. Your typing needs and personal comfort will ultimately guide your decision between these two excellent switch options.
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