Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion brand offers two enticing options: the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Thunder Shadow. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is renowned for its medium level of tactility and lower actuation force, providing a comfortable typing experience with a deep and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch by Aflion boasts a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance, along with a 63.5g bottom-out force for a medium weight feel. While the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is labeled as 'Bouncy', the Thunder Shadow switch is categorized as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The use of this material also allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, where the two switches differ is in the bottom housing material. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Thunder Shadow utilizes nylon. This contrast in materials results in a difference in sound profiles, with nylon producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
The utilization of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring leads to a uniform sound profile throughout the entire switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate ensures a clear and resonant sound, providing a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a contrasting sound profile. While the top housing still contributes to a sharper sound when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during bottom-out. This difference in materials highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, their bottom housing materials - polycarbonate for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and nylon for the Thunder Shadow - result in distinct sound characteristics. The use of different materials for the bottom housing showcases how the typing experience can be altered by the choice of housing material, with stiffer polycarbonate providing a clearer sound and softer nylon producing a fuller, deeper sound. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is slightly heavier at 55 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different tactile responses based on their force characteristics, catering to users who prefer either a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who value faster response times, the Thunder Shadow with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single 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) Single Spring for $3.57.
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Thunder Shadow offer different experiences. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow has a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different user preferences, with the Shadow (Ink) providing a more immersive and tactile experience while the Thunder Shadow offers a more versatile and neutral sound profile.
As for feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like and lively feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow is described as invigorating, providing a pronounced tactile bump and a firm actuation force that creates a responsive and immersive typing sensation. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may offer a more playful and rebounding feel, while the Thunder Shadow provides a more deliberate and firm typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Thunder Shadow switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a deep and thocky sound profile along with a bouncy feel, the Thunder Shadow features a neutral sound signature and an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two Aflion switches to enhance your typing experience. Both switches provide high-quality tactile feedback, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a lower actuation and bottom-out force, we highly recommend the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. Its bouncy feel and deep, thocky sound profile make it a great choice for a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance, then the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch would be the better option with its slightly higher bottom-out force and invigorating feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for tactility and typing experience.
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