Kailh Box Jade vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Kailh Box Jade and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Box Jade is known for offering a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. Typing on these switches is a delight, with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, if you're searching for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, the Shadow Single Spring variant is highly recommended. These switches have a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a very approachable tactility. Additionally, their deep and thocky sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring have similar housing materials in terms of the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetic features from the polycarbonate top housings of both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Box Jade has a nylon bottom housing while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance. Thus, the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches will have distinct characteristics due to the different materials used in their bottom housings.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings have different impacts on the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing a key, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the differences in their bottom housings, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are likely to produce satisfying and distinct sound profiles when used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is clear that there are some differences in weight. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may be the more suitable choice. Its slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces can provide a smoother and more effortless keystroke, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Box Jade offers a stronger push feel with slightly heavier forces, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance and tactile feedback.
It is important to note that while the Box Jade and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches have different weights, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, if one is looking for a similar typing experience in terms of force, they can expect to achieve comparable results with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with weight playing a significant role in that decision-making process.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we find that the Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these distances fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance option, such as the Box Jade, can provide a heightened sense of responsiveness. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its slightly longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the level of tactile feedback and depth desired in the 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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. However, 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.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience. It falls into the category of medium tactile switches, providing a notable level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Aflion 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 offering a rebound when pressed.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Jade switch seems to provide a more pronounced and distinctive typing experience in terms of both sound and feel compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. However, it's essential to mention that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the ideal switch for each person. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and noticeable tactile feedback, the Box Jade would be a great choice. If you prefer a switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch could be a solid option. Overall, it's important to consider your personal preferences and priorities when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switch is the perfect choice for you. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on it a satisfying and immersive experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is highly recommended. With its lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a very approachable tactility, and the bouncy feedback sensation adds to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
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