Durock Sea Glass vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Sea Glass and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Sea Glass switch series, presented by Durock, offers a captivating selection of five pastel colors that are visually stunning. These linear switches are known for their distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, thanks to their proprietary material blend. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, making them easy to press. Additionally, they emit a uniquely hollow sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is the way to go. With a medium level of tactility, this variant of the Shadow switch from Aflion offers a lower actuation and bottom-out force, making it very approachable in terms of tactile feedback. It also provides a deep and thocky sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring show distinct differences in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic properties. The Sea Glass features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, resulting in a pleasant and slightly brighter sound profile. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. Overall, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Sea Glass emphasizes a smoother tone, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring focuses on a crisper and more resonant sound.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Durock Sea Glass continues with its Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend material, offering a similar sound profile as its top housing. The brightness of the sound is maintained, ensuring a consistent tone throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring adopts a polycarbonate bottom housing, amplifying the sharpness and higher-pitched characteristics of the switch's sound. Additionally, the clear polycarbonate material enhances the switch's visual appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Overall, the Sea Glass maintains a vibrant and brighter tone, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring intensifies the sharpness and clarity of the sound.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the switch, it is worth noting that the Sea Glass utilizes the same blend for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a harmonious and balanced sound experience throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring splits the qualities between its top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing having a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, but the Sea Glass aims for a consistent and pleasant tonality, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring delivers a contrasting combination of sharpness and clarity, depending on the housing used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Sea Glass has a slightly lower actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 48 grams, making it lighter to type on initially. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Sea Glass requires 62 grams of force while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring only requires 55 grams, making the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring lighter in terms of bottoming out.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be a suitable choice as it has a lower actuation force. This can be advantageous for individuals who spend long hours typing at work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience, as its higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel.
Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, offering a balance between ease of keystroke activation and resistance. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is considered medium-light, providing a slightly lighter overall typing experience compared to the Sea Glass.
In conclusion, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring differ slightly, both switches offer a satisfactory typing experience. The choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences, with the Sea Glass providing a heavier feel and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have different travel distances. The Sea Glass has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Sea Glass with its slightly shorter travel distance may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper feeling when typing, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its slightly longer travel distance may be more to your liking. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these two switches, as the difference in travel distance can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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.
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 Sea Glass switches have a uniquely hollow sound signature, which adds a distinct character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches is described as deep and thocky. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. However, based on their respective descriptions, the Sea Glass switches offer a lighter and hollower sound compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches.
Moving on to feel, the Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. A frictionless switch provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, while the mild characteristics offer a gentle typing feel that most users will find approachable. The feathery nature of the Sea Glass switches makes them exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, these switches offer a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are described as bouncy. This implies that these switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. While the specific tactile qualities of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are not mentioned, the description suggests a medium level of tactility.
To conclude, the Durock Sea Glass linear switches and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Sea Glass switches provide a distinct typing experience with a hollow sound signature, a frictionless and gentle feeling, and a feathery lightweight actuation. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile, paired with a bouncy feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a switch with a unique sound and a frictionless feel or a switch with a deep sound and a bouncy sensation.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is a great choice for those seeking a smooth and weightless typing experience. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Sea Glass switches offer a frictionless and effortless feel. The unique hollow sound signature adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a medium level of tactility that is approachable for most users. The deep and thocky sound profile adds to the satisfaction of typing on these switches. Ultimately, when choosing between the Sea Glass and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, consider whether you prefer linear or tactile switches, as well as the specific characteristics and typing experience each switch offers.
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