Kailh Box Royal vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring

Overview

When it comes to comparing and contrasting the Kailh Box Royal and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring mechanical keyboard switches, we are presented with two tactile options that offer distinctive features. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense, binary tactility, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an almost aggressive feel. Additionally, these switches produce a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is a perfect fit. With its long, two-staged spring, this variant provides a satisfying typing experience with deep, resonating thocks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is visually advantageous if RGB lighting is used due to its translucency.

Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches offer distinct acoustic characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its impact on the top housing sound. The softer nature of the nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring creates a sharper and crisper sound. The relatively stiffer plastic enhances the bottom-out sound, providing a more satisfying and responsive typing experience. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate bottom housing is a distinguishing feature, often associated with the use of RGB lighting.

However, it's important to note that while the housing materials have separate impacts on sound profiles, their overall contribution to a switch's sound and feel is intertwined. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt and heard, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. When releasing a key, the top housing will have a more pronounced effect on the sound. Therefore, although different, both switches' housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and can deliver comparable results in terms of sound characteristics when considering different housing components.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Box Royal requires 45 grams of force, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 55 grams. This means that the Box Royal is lighter in terms of actuation force. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 63 grams. This means that the Box Royal is also heavier in terms of bottom out force.

These differences in force have implications for different preferences and use cases. For those who prefer a lighter feel and want to type for longer periods, the Box Royal with its lighter actuation force may be a better choice. It allows for a more effortless typing experience, which is particularly suitable for work environments or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience, the heavier forces of the Box Royal's bottom out force may be more appealing.

It is worth noting that while the actuation forces and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, both fall into the medium range. This means that users can expect a certain level of tactile feedback and resistance from both switches, although the specific feel may differ slightly due to the differences in force. Overall, understanding these force specifications can help individuals make an informed decision based on their personal preferences and typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we can see that the Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, offering a more responsive experience favored by gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a longer travel distance, offering a more substantial and potentially satisfying depth to those who prefer it. So, depending on your preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance, you can choose the one that suits your needs. Both switches offer distinct experiences, but the Box Royal is the shorter option, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the longer option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp and binary tactility, making it perfect for those who prefer an aggressive tactile experience. In terms of sound, these switches have a relatively higher pitched sound profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed.

On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a medium-high level of tactility with its long, two-staged spring. Typing on these switches produces deep and resonating thocks, creating a clacky, bright, and percussive sound profile. Similar to the Box Royal, the Shadow (Ink) switches also have a high-pitched sound characteristic.

When it comes to feel, both the Box Royal and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as sharp tactile switches, providing a high feedback intensity with a prominent and distinct tactile bump in each keypress. Additionally, the Shadow (Ink) switches are also described as accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, highlighting their medium tactile nature that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These features contribute to a typing experience that is both lively and responsive.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Royal provides a sharp and binary tactility with a higher pitched sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) doublespring switches deliver a medium-high level of tactility with deep resonating thocks and a clacky, high-pitched sound. Both switches have a sharp tactile feel with a strong and crisp tactile bump. If a person is seeking an aggressive tactility and higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal is a suitable choice, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a unique medium tactile experience with its additional features.

Conclusion

In closing, if you're looking for an extremely tactile switch with a sharp, binary tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal is the perfect choice for you. The 70-gram bottom out force provides a medium-heavy feel, and the strong, crisp tactile bump ensures a high feedback intensity with each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, accompanied by deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the ideal option. With its 63-gram bottom out force and the long, two-staged spring, this switch delivers a satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, but the Box Royal has a higher-pitched sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is described as clacky and high-pitched. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a nearly aggressive tactility (Box Royal) or a medium-high level of tactility (Shadow Double Spring), as well as the specific sound profile you prefer.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn more