Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it's clear that each has its own unique characteristics. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, making it a great choice for those seeking a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai boasts a soft acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp sound thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem. While the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, the Xinhai is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches where sound quality is a priority. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches designed to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. In contrast, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, ensuring consistency in sound profile throughout the key press. This means that the qualities of polycarbonate, such as a sharper and crisper sound, will be felt and heard both when pressing down on the key and releasing it. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai's use of nylon for the bottom housing may result in a different sound and feel when compared to the top housing, as nylon absorbs more sound and creates a softer, duller tone.
In terms of performance, both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the HMX Xinhai offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a consistent and clear sound profile throughout the key press, while the Xinhai's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a dynamic sound experience with deeper tones and softer feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with the housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Shadow (Ink) offers a medium-light feel while the Xinhai provides a lighter touch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Xinhai may be the better choice. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing, the Shadow (Ink) may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on a key compared to the Xinhai. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Both switches offer unique experiences depending on individual preferences, with the Xinhai being slightly shorter and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring providing a bit more depth.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 considering the sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound, while the Xinhai switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. These differences in sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Shadow switch providing a more deep and resonant auditory feedback compared to the Xinhai switch's bright and percussive sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Xinhai switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This lively feel gives the keys a sense of rebound when pressed, enhancing the tactile feedback experienced during typing. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is also noted for its creamy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that is reminiscent of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Shadow switch provides a deeper and thocky sound along with a bouncy feel for an approachable tactility, while the Xinhai switch delivers a clacky sound profile and a creamy, smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a great choice for you. It offers a lower actuation and bottom-out force, making it approachable and pleasant to type on. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the HMX Xinhai linear switch would be your best bet. It embodies a blend of sophistication and precise performance. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will come down to whether you prioritize tactility and sound profile (choose the Shadow) or prefer a lighter switch with a unique acoustic profile (choose the Xinhai).
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