Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are endless options to choose from, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing or gaming experience. Two switches that stand out among the rest are the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch, perfect for those who appreciate a gentle and satisfying feedback with every keystroke. With a medium level of tactility and a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this switch delivers an approachable feel and emits a deep, thocky sound. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver is a linear switch that caters to gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. With a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, it allows for swift and effortless typing or gaming sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Outemu Yellow Silver, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal when comparing the top housings of these switches.
However, the housing materials diverge when focusing on the bottom housings. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Yellow Silver utilizes nylon. Typing on the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring will elicit a sharper and clearer sound due to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housings of these switches have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, providing distinct typing experiences.
Overall, while both switches make use of polycarbonate for their top housings, the difference lies in the bottom housings. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a sharper and clearer sound profile, emphasizing the impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, showcasing the influence of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. These variations in housing materials contribute to distinct typing experiences between the two switches, allowing users to choose based on their sound preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have similar bottom out forces of 55 grams, which makes them both fall into the medium-light category. However, when it comes to actuation force, there is a slight difference. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) requires 48 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Outemu Yellow Silver only requires 45 grams. This means that the Outemu Yellow Silver has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink).
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Yellow Silver might be the better option as its lower actuation force can allow for quicker typing and potentially reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) might be preferred due to its slightly higher actuation force.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. It is worth considering the weight of the switch as lighter switches can be beneficial for longer typing sessions, while heavier switches can provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, both switches will travel the same 4 mm distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, using either switch will provide a similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience in terms of travel distance. Thus, there is no significant difference between the two switches in terms of travel distance.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a medium level of tactility, making it a great choice for those seeking a tactile switch. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this switch provides a comfortable and approachable tactility during use. Additionally, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. It features a light actuation force, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes. While the sound profile of the Yellow Silver switch is described as neutral, it should be noted that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. On the subject of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a lively and spring-like feedback sensation. Unfortunately, there is no available information regarding the feel of the Yellow Silver switch. Overall, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness without a particular emphasis on sound or feel, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be a suitable option as well.
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 level of tactility that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, its deep and thocky sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is a great choice. Its light actuation force makes it favorable for gamers and typists who require quick and precise key presses. With a neutral sound profile, it is suitable for most environments, whether at home or in the workplace. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your typing or gaming setup.
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