Gateron Oil King vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Oil King and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Oil King is renowned for its smoothness and a satisfying sound profile that resembles the crisp snap of a dark chocolate bar breaking. With its low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished characteristics, this linear switch provides a delightful typing sensation. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring by Aflion is a tactile switch that presents a medium level of tactility. If you prefer a switch with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this variant is an excellent choice. Moreover, it offers a deep and thocky sound profile, satisfying both your tactile and auditory senses. However, let's delve deeper into their specific qualities to help you determine the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches differ in terms of their housing materials. The Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Oil King boasts a proprietary INK blend by Gateron, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This blend creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Similar to the top housing, the stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
While the two switches differ in their housing materials, it is worth noting that both the Oil King and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring share certain qualities. Both switch types utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharp and higher-pitched sound profile. This material's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it desirable for a crisp typing experience. However, the difference lies in the top and bottom housing allocation, with the Oil King having a nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features polycarbonate for both housing components. Consequently, these differences will impact the sound and feel when pressing and releasing the keys, emphasizing the varied qualities attributed to each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would be the more suitable option. With a lower actuation force, it requires less force to trigger a keystroke, allowing for comfortable and effortless typing. Similarly, the bottom out force is also lighter, minimizing the impact on fingers and reducing the strain during prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons.
In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Gateron Oil King switch. With a higher actuation and bottom out force, this switch offers a stronger push feel, providing a satisfying feedback while typing. This heavier force requirement can cater to those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke and a sense of stability.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and typing style. If someone desires a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would be recommended. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger and more tactile feel, the Gateron Oil King switch would be the better choice. Regardless of which switch one chooses, they can achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. In this aspect, they provide similar results, as both switches will offer the same distance that can be felt when pressing down on a key. Therefore, whether using the Oil King or the Shadow (Ink), users can expect a consistent travel distance experience of 4 mm.
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 Gateron Oil King comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a deeper and mellow tone with a lower frequency range, similar to the richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. These terms collectively indicate a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and effortless key travel. The switches offer a buttery smoothness and a creamy sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. Additionally, the Oil King switch is coated with lubricant at the factory, further enhancing its smooth feel. Conversely, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is described as bouncy. This implies that these switches offer a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively and rebounding feel when keys are pressed.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a lively and rebounding sensation. If you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth and rich sound, the Oil King would be a great choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a bouncy feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be a suitable option. Keep in mind that the overall experience can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Gateron Oil King is the ideal choice for you. With its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, typing on these switches will remind you of snapping a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, these switches offer a very approachable tactility. They also feature a deep and thocky sound profile. Additionally, if you enjoy switches with a bouncy and spring-like feedback sensation, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is the perfect fit. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desired bottom out force and typing experience.
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