Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch. Both switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is best known for its medium level of tactility, providing a comfortable typing experience with a lower actuation and bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, offering a bouncy feel with each keystroke. It is easy to press and has a mild and neutral feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share a common material for both their top and bottom housings, which is polycarbonate. This choice of material in the housing creates a similar effect for both switches, generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its relatively stiff nature, polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience during typing or gaming. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually stunning display of colors.
However, even though the housing materials are the same, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ in terms of their appearance and aesthetic appeal. Each switch has its own unique design and color scheme, showcasing their individuality and distinguishing characteristics. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, their overall look and feel may vary, offering users a choice between different visual styles.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials play a significant role. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the material used in the bottom housing will heavily contribute to the tactile feedback experienced when pressing a key. On the other hand, the top housing will contribute more to the sound profile when releasing a key, affecting the overall typing or gaming experience. Therefore, although the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share the same housing material, the specific characteristics of each housing will impact different aspects of the switch's performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires less force to trigger a keystroke, allowing for a lighter and potentially quicker typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial push feel for users who prefer a stronger typing experience.
When it comes to bottoming out, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue measures at 67 grams. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue requires a higher amount of force to fully press the key down compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. This heavier bottom out force may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions may find the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring more suitable. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a heavier and more substantial typing feel, which may be preferable for users seeking a stronger tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile or linear experience throughout their travel distance, providing a satisfying typing or gaming experience. Therefore, whether you choose the Shadow (Ink) or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 is best known for its deep and thocky sound profile. This provides a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate sound level, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring having a deeper tone and the Tourmaline Blue being more neutral.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy. This means it provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch has multiple descriptors for its feel. It is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, it is labeled as easy-to-press, meaning it requires minimal force to activate, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. Lastly, it is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe, middle-ground zone. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences, with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring being bouncy and the Tourmaline Blue offering a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel.
Considering all the available information, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Tourmaline Blue switches both offer desirable qualities for users. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a medium level of tactility, providing approachable tactile feedback, a deep and thocky sound profile, and a bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue has a deep and thocky sound profile, a bouncy and buttery feel, along with the ability to be easily pressed. While the sound and feel of these switches differ slightly, they both aim to enhance the typing experience. If you prefer a deeper sound and bouncy feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a great choice. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel, the Tourmaline Blue is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer enjoyable and accessible options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, to sum up, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is a great choice if you're looking for a switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep and thocky sound profile. With its lower actuation and bottom-out force, it offers a very approachable tactility and a lively feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is an excellent option for those who prefer a buttery smooth and fluid keystroke experience. With its bouncy and mild characteristics, this switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, making it suitable for most users. Additionally, both switches offer a satisfying sound profile, with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring having a deep and thocky sound and the Tourmaline Blue having a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for tactility and sound.
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