Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, we highly recommend this single spring variant of Aflion's Shadow switch. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, we find a very approachable tactility when using them. It also features a deep and thocky sound profile.
$4.50
$3.57
10 switches/order
FREE Shipping on orders over $49.00 and free returns on all orders.
Orders ship from California and arrive within 2-5 days.
Weight
Light
Heavy
Depth
Shallow
Regular
Technical data
| Switch type | Tactile |
| Switch brand | Aflion |
| Manufacturer | Aflion |
| Top housing material | Polycarbonate |
| Bottom housing material | Polycarbonate |
| Mount type | PCB (5-pin) |
| Stem construction | Standard |
| Stem material | POM |
| Spring | 20mm single-stage spring |
| Actuation weight | 48g |
| Bottom-out weight | 55g |
| Factory lube status | Not factory lubed |
| Pre-travel distance | 2.00 mm |
| Total travel distance | 4.00 mm |
The technical data of a switch can be hard to understand. Our goal here is to demystify how these specs affect feel and sound. We hope this helps you discover whether or not a switch might be a good fit.
Actuation: 48g
A switch's actuation force, or force required to trigger a keystroke, on the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires 48g of force. This is lighter than 53% of other switches' actuation force in our selection.
A switch's actuation force is based on the entire switch design.
Bottom-out: 55g
Bottoming out, or pressing all the way down, on this Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch requires 55g of force. With a lighter bottom-out than 70% of switches in our selection, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is considered medium-light.
A switch's bottom-out force is dependent solely on its spring weight.
What matters more: Actuation or Bottom-out Force?
If you prefer to bottom-out when you type, bottom-out force is the more relevant measurement. If you do not, then actuation force is more relevant.
Not factory lubed
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is not factory lubed (also known as a dry switch). This makes it most ideal for enthusiasts who, if desired, seek to lube their own switches for the most customizability, precision, and flexibility with specific lube options. Moreover, the material blend of a given switch may not necessitate additional factory lubing.
Top and Bottom Housing: Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's top and bottom housing material. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In part, this is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically speaking, if a switch features a clear housing, it is more likely than not to be polycarbonate. Therefore, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful to have in the top housing of a switch if you plan to use RGB lighting.
Mount type: PCB (5-pin)
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a PCB (5-pin) mount switch. PCB-mount, or 5-pin, switches feature 2 extra alignment pins when compared to their 3-pin counterparts. This ensures alignment (i.e. switch won't rotate and will stay in place) if your keyboard does not feature a plate or if you choose not to use one. If your keyboard's PCB does not have holes for these alignment pins, you will need to trim them off before installing them.
Stem construction: Standard
The cross-shaped stem construction is the most standard as well as the most classic, as it is derived from the original Cherry switches.
Descriptors
Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel, giving you rebound when pressed.
Sound test
Try Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches before buying them
Pick 10 switches and we'll send them your way to try at home for 5 days.
How it works
First, pick 10 switches you want to try. Then, we'll send you those 10 switches to try at home for 5 days. You'll get to experience the switches and see how they feel. We'll also include a guide to help you pick your favorite switch and a preprinted return shipping label.
What comes in my try at-home box?
The 10 switches you choose will be installed on switch tester bases so you can type on them as you would on a normal keyboard. Your try at-home kit comes with a preprinted return shipping label.
How much does this try-before-you-buy program cost?
At just $15—shipping included—the try at-home program is the most cost-effective way to try switches before buying them. At less than half the cost of switch testers and with more than triple the variety to choose from, you can try before you buy without breaking the bank so you can be sure you're getting the right switch for your needs.
How do I buy the switches I want?
Send back the switches in your box using your prepaid label and purchase your favorite (or favorites)!
Everything that's included
First, try switches at home with shipping included both ways. After purchasing the switches you love most, know your switches come with a 30-day, hassle-free return or exchange policy. If you don't love your switches, we'll take them back—no questions asked.
