Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Durock White Lotus. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch known for its medium level of tactility, making it a versatile choice for various typing preferences. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this switch offers a very approachable tactility, accompanied by a deep and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is designed with the discerning typist in mind. This exquisite light tactile option strikes a perfect balance, providing a delicate tactility that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches offer vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding an enchanting glow to your keyboard setup. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Durock White Lotus switches differ in terms of their composition. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. This material blend gives the switch a unique and premium feel, enhancing the tactile experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing similar to its top housing. As mentioned before, this choice intensifies the crisp sound produced by the switch. Conversely, the White Lotus employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon also contributes to a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, these different bottom housing materials bring distinct auditory experiences when typing on the switches.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the White Lotus switches possess differing qualities. Pressing down on the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch allows users to feel the impact of the polycarbonate bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel. However, once the key is released, the polycarbonate top housing plays a more significant role in determining the sound produced. As for the White Lotus, its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing enhances the tactile feedback when pressing the key, while the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound when bottoming out.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Durock White Lotus switches provide distinct experiences due to the materials used in their housings. The polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel and enhanced tactile feedback. The different bottom housing materials, polycarbonate and nylon, further differentiate the sound profiles of the switches. While the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a sharper and crisper sound, the White Lotus elicits a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find that they have quite similar characteristics. Both switches have a medium-light actuation force, with the Shadow (Ink) requiring 48 grams and the White Lotus requiring 46 grams. For the bottom out force, the difference becomes slightly more noticeable, with the Shadow (Ink) requiring 55 grams and the White Lotus requiring 56 grams. Despite this minor variation, they can still be considered medium-light in terms of bottom out force. So, whether you opt for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) or the Durock White Lotus, you can expect similar results, especially in terms of actuation force. The difference in bottom out force might only be perceptible to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Durock White Lotus tactile switches both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key, users will experience the same amount of travel distance for both switches. This similarity ensures that users will receive comparable results in terms of the distance felt when using either 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile. This type of sound gives a satisfying auditory feedback to the user. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer pleasant sound characteristics, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. The exact sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This means that the keys have a lively feel, giving a sense of rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as having an easy-to-press and mild feel. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This low actuation force contributes to effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended usage. The White Lotus switch falls into the category of subtle switches, which have a gentle resistance and maintain a light typing feel. The overall feeling of both switches is comfortable and suitable for prolonged typing sessions.
Taking all the available information into account, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is ideal for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. Its lower actuation and bottom-out force make it approachable and comfortable to use. With its deep and thocky sound profile, it provides a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is designed for those who prefer a delicate tactility, striking a perfect balance. It offers an easy-to-press and mild feel, ensuring a low-impact and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the White Lotus switch has the added feature of removable light columns, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. Therefore, both switches offer their own unique qualities and cater to different preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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 offers a very approachable tactility while providing a deep and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile experience that strikes the perfect balance, the Durock White Lotus switch is ideal. It offers a delicate tactility that is not overwhelming, making it great for work and extended typing sessions. The White Lotus also features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup. In terms of sound, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a unique sound profile, while the White Lotus has a low-pitched and neutral sound. As for feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a bouncy sensation, while the White Lotus provides an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire.
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