Bsun Pine vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the BSUN Pine and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The BSUN Pine switch is favored for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a medium-high level of tactility with its unique two-staged spring design, resulting in deep, resonating thocks while typing. Both switches are categorized as sharp and snappy, but the Pine is described as invigorating while the Shadow is labeled as clacky and high-pitched. These general pointers can help you decide which switch best suits your typing preferences; 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Pine employs nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for the bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and more resonant sound profile throughout.
While both the Bsun Pine and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share polycarbonate top housings, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Pine's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and clear sound profile. This difference results in a distinct typing experience for each switch, with the Pine offering a softer and more rounded sound compared to the sharper sound of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. These contrasting qualities showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
It is interesting to note how the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials interact to influence the overall typing experience of a switch. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, such as the Bsun Pine and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, the characteristics of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. This division means that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the roles of each housing material, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their switch choices to achieve their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams, making the Pine easier to activate. In terms of bottom out force, the Pine also requires a greater force at 65 grams compared to the Shadow's 63 grams. This means that the Pine offers a more substantial typing experience overall, with a heavier bottom out force. However, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel despite the slight variations in force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Pine offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking fast and responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a deeper press with its longer travel distance, catering to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double 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) Double Spring for $3.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Pine switch is known for its unique sharp and direct tactile feedback, resulting in a quick and distinct typing experience. While the sound characteristics of the Pine switch are not specifically mentioned, based on its sharp tactile bump and fast action, one can expect a crisp and possibly high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as producing deep and resonating thocks, providing a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. Both switches offer different sound profiles, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Pine switch is renowned for its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, ensuring a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Pine switch is also noted for its snappy and responsive feel due to its long pole stem design. Similarly, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharp and significant tactile bump, providing a medium-high level of tactility that is accented and snappy. Additionally, the presence of double springs in the Shadow switch contributes to a bouncy and stepped feel, enhancing the typing experience with a lively rebound sensation. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, catering to users who enjoy pronounced tactility and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Bsun Pine switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Pine switch excels in providing a sharp and direct tactile experience with possibly a crisp sound profile, the Shadow switch stands out for its deep and resonating thocks, along with a medium-high level of tactility and double spring design for an enhanced typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound, tactility, and responsiveness, both switches provide a tailored typing experience that caters to different needs and typing styles. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their personal preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a sharp and quick tactile bump with clear feedback, the Pine switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-high level of tactility with deep thocks and a unique double-spring design, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch could be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what features you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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