Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a tactile mechanical keyboard switch, you may be torn between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Gazzew U4Tx. Both switches offer their own unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is praised for its medium level of tactility, making it an accessible choice for those who appreciate a satisfying bump without being too overwhelming. Additionally, it boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, adding an auditory satisfaction to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx combines the best of both worlds, providing a refined sound profile that is both deep and resonant when bottoming out, yet whisper-quiet when topping out. Its sharp tactile bump ensures luxurious typing, both acoustically pleasing and tactilely satisfying. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch choice for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Gazzew U4Tx switches have noticeable differences in their sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic. This attribute is especially advantageous for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which offers a rich and deep sound profile. With its softness, this plastic blend contributes to a unique auditory experience that stands out.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches also exhibit distinctive characteristics. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of this switch are significantly impacted by the polycarbonate bottom housing. Conversely, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing that contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. This blend's softness plays a crucial role in creating a rich and deep sound, giving users a different tactile experience compared to the crisper sound generated by the polycarbonate bottom housing.
Although the top and bottom housings of these switches differ in material, they each have specific effects on the sound profile. While the qualities brought by the housing materials get divided between the top and bottom, the differences still offer users distinct auditory experiences. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's impact is felt, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the release of a key is more influenced by the top housing, resulting in a sound that differs depending on the switch's material composition. Overall, users can expect varying sound profiles and tactile feedback based on the distinct properties of each switch's housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are clear differences in weight. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a medium-light actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a slightly lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx has an unavailable actuation force but a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial push feel.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer typing sessions without strain. This makes it ideal for professional use or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a more pronounced and tactile typing experience may find the heavier bottom out force of the Gazzew U4Tx preferable. The additional force required to bottom out can provide satisfaction and feedback during each keystroke.
While the actuation force for the Gazzew U4Tx is unavailable, it is worth noting that the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's actuation force of 48 grams may be in a similar range. This means that users can expect comparable results when it comes to triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offering a lighter option and the Gazzew U4Tx providing a heavier and more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a slightly longer distance to travel compared to the U4Tx. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is more in line with traditional switch travel distances, offering a deeper and more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the U4Tx with its 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, catering to those who prefer a faster response time. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances for quicker inputs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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) Single Spring switch is best known for its approachable tactility and deep, thocky sound profile. It offers a medium level of tactility, making it suitable for those who prefer a tactile switch without it being overly pronounced. The sound produced by the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is not specified in the given information, so we cannot provide a comparison in terms of sound.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a unique combination of features. They feature a refined sound profile that combines the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet sound when topping out. This provides a satisfying typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. The sound profile of the U4Tx switches can be described as bassy and muted, offering a deeper and richer sound with minimized noise.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy. This means that it provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches are described as sharp tactile switches. These switches offer a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch and the Gazzew U4Tx switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a more approachable tactility with a deep, thocky sound profile, while the U4Tx switches offer a refined sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump. However, since the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, it is important to consider these factors when making a decision. Ultimately, both switches can provide a luxurious typing experience but with different sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, we highly recommend the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. With its lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a very approachable tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is also described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that gives you rebound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you want a switch that combines the best of both worlds, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is the way to go. It offers a cleaner, refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The U4Tx switch provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump and is described as sharp in terms of feel, offering a high feedback intensity that can be felt distinctly with each keypress.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom-out force and a bouncy feel, go for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. However, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a clean sound profile, and a sharp tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is the better option. Consider how the sound and feel of each switch align with your typing preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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