Outemu Lotus vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Lotus switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for those who prefer a linear feel without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch stands out for its medium-high level of tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with deep thocks and a unique two-staged spring design. While the Lotus switch is perfect for those who prioritize a smooth typing experience, the Shadow switch is a great option for enthusiasts looking for a more tactile and satisfying typing feel. 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
35g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 Outemu Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it is evident that they both prioritize sound profiles but achieve this in different ways. The Lotus’s nylon top and bottom housings are designed to create a deeper and fuller sound profile by utilizing a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. While both switches aim to enhance sound quality, they do so through contrasting properties of their housing materials.
Despite their differences, the Lotus and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share a common goal in providing a unique sound experience to users. The use of nylon in the Lotus and polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both contribute to a distinct sound profile that sets them apart from other switches. However, the choice of materials also allows for individual characteristics to shine through. The Lotus’s nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring’s polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials in enhancing sound quality.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound from the Lotus’s nylon housing or a sharper and crisper sound from the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring’s polycarbonate housing, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. However, regardless of the housing material used, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles, showcasing the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lighter than the Shadow's bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the Lotus switch would be easier to type on for longer periods of time due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. In contrast, the Shadow switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Both switches provide different typing experiences, catering to individuals who prefer either a lighter or heavier force when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers who value speed and agility in key presses. On the other hand, the Shadow Double Spring switch provides a deeper, more tactile feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lotus comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Lotus switch is known for its lack of distinct characteristics, making it a quiet and unobtrusive choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as producing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving each keystroke a sharp and percussive quality. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so the overall sound experience can vary.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lotus switch does not have any specific descriptors available, making it difficult to pinpoint its tactile qualities. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for being sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. This means that users can expect a high level of tactile feedback with a distinct tactile bump, responsive keypresses, a lively rebound sensation, and a two-stage tactile feel. These qualities make the Shadow switch a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a quiet and subtle typing experience with an unknown tactile profile, the Shadow switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a sharp and snappy tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel. If you prefer a more subdued sound and unknown tactile feel, the Lotus switch may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy a sharp and percussive sound with a noticeable tactile bump and responsive keypresses, the Shadow switch would be a great option to consider.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a light linear switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Outemu Lotus switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a bottom out force of 63 grams, the Aflion Shadow Ink Double Spring switch is the way to go. The Lotus switch is best known for its smooth linear feel, while the Shadow Ink Double Spring switch offers deep, resonating thocks and a more tactile typing experience. The Lotus has a quieter sound profile, while the Shadow switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch is described as light, while the Shadow Ink Double Spring switch is known for its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a light linear switch or a medium-high tactile switch for your typing needs.
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