Durock Blue Lotus vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance at 3.7mm, these switches offer a marked tactile feel and snappy keystrokes. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, adding a captivating visual appeal to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer a medium-high level of tactility with the help of their long, two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches delivers deep, resonating thocks that enhance the overall typing experience. While the Blue Lotus switches provide a more accented, bassy, and snappy feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are characterized by their clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped nature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have both similarities and differences. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Both these materials offer distinct advantages. The modified PC and UPE blend housing of the Blue Lotus provides a unique and premium feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, if you plan to use RGB lighting, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's translucency makes it a more suitable choice.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon material in the Blue Lotus provides a classic switch housing feel that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, both the Blue Lotus and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer various sound and tactile experiences based on their housing materials, allowing users to choose according to their preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This ensures that users will get a similar level of responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The Durock Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force. This means that users will experience a more substantial typing experience, as they will need to exert more force to fully press the keys down. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is closer to its actuation force. This results in a medium typing experience, with a slightly lighter bottoming out sensation compared to the Blue Lotus.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be more suitable, as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, especially during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Durock Blue Lotus, with its heavier bottom out force.
In summary, while both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have the same actuation force of 55 grams, their bottom out forces differ slightly. The Blue Lotus offers a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Meanwhile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a lighter bottom out force of 63 grams, allowing for a slightly lighter feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Lotus on the shorter end and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring on the longer end. Gamers often favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Blue Lotus a preferred choice in that regard. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, in which case the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of responsiveness and the desired level of key depth during typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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
The Durock Blue Lotus and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switch is described as having a bassy sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. A clacky switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, while a high-pitched switch produces a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound, the Blue Lotus switch would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more suitable.
In terms of feel, both switches offer an accented tactile experience. Accented switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, both switches are described as snappy, meaning that they are super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs. This makes the typing experience feel more alive. Both switches are also categorized as stepped switches, which means that they have a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The major difference is that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is also described as sharp and bouncy. Sharp switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump, while bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. If you prefer a switch with a stronger and crisper tactile bump, as well as a bouncier feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a more mild and balanced tactile feel, the Blue Lotus switch would be more suitable.
Based on the available information, the Blue Lotus and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switch has a bassy sound profile, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is clacky and high-pitched. Both switches provide an accented and snappy tactile experience, but the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is also sharp and bouncy. It is important to consider these subjective qualities and choose the switch that aligns with your personal preferences. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound, a milder tactile feel, and a balance between responsiveness and feedback, the Blue Lotus switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, a stronger and bouncier tactile feel, and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, it is recommended to test both switches if possible to determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a medium-heavy actuation force which can provide a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switch has a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, adding to its snappiness. Furthermore, if you appreciate vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switch comes with a detachable light column for captivating visual appeal.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch would suit your preferences. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, it provides a medium actuation force, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The two-staged spring in the Shadow switch variant enhances its tactile feedback, giving you a satisfying keypress feel.
When considering the sound profile, the Blue Lotus switch is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound. Depending on your preference for keyboard sound, you can choose either switch accordingly.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Lotus and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility. Moreover, the Shadow switch is also characterized as sharp and bouncy, giving it a high feedback intensity and a spring-like rebound sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider your desired actuation force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and visual appeal to make an informed choice. Remember to test out different switches if possible, as finding the perfect switch can greatly enhance your typing experience.
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