Durock Blue Lotus vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus 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 Blue Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm, these switches offer a marked tactile feel that enthusiasts will appreciate. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, adding a visually captivating element to the performance. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a great choice. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, these switches provide a very approachable tactility while typing. Furthermore, they offer a deep and thocky sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch that suits your preferences and 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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring feature different housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This blend of materials offers a tactile and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of this stiffer plastic in the top housing enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the switch's sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus is equipped with a nylon housing. Nylon is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice contributes to the switch's sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel are well-defined, adding to the overall typist's experience.
While the two switches differ in their housing materials, they share some similarities. Both the Blue Lotus and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring leverage polycarbonate in their top housing. This choice not only enhances the sound profile but also allows for the use of RGB lighting, thanks to polycarbonate's translucency. Thus, if you are looking for switches that provide clear and resonant sound while supporting RGB lighting, both options can deliver similar results. However, it's important to note that the feel and sound when letting go of a key may differ between the two switches due to their contrasting top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Blue Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 48 grams, making it a bit heavier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Blue Lotus also requires more force to reach its bottom out point, standing at 65 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams, making it heavier in terms of bottoming out.
Considering weight preferences, the Blue Lotus switch leans towards a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This could be ideal for individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel. The lighter weight allows for comfortable and extended typing periods, which is beneficial for those using their keyboards extensively for work or lengthy gaming sessions.
While the Blue Lotus and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, both provide tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, while the results may vary, individuals seeking a similar typing experience can achieve it by selecting either switch option based on their desired weight preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it can be noted that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, there is a subtle difference between the two. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly shallower press, making it more favorable for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a touch more depth to the keystrokes, which can be preferred by those seeking a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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) 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 Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its bassy sound profile. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Being accented means that it provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The snappiness of the Blue Lotus switch can be attributed to its slightly reduced travel distance and potentially longer or dual-staged springs, making typing feel more alive. Additionally, the stepped feel of these switches means that there may be some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a mild tactile experience.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Pressing the keys on these switches will give you a lively feel and a sense of rebound. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding other aspects of the switch's feel, such as the level of tactility.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their intense tactile feel, snappiness, and a bassy sound profile. They also have a detachable light column for attractive RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are recommended for those looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a bouncy feel, accompanied by a deep and thocky sound. It's important to remember that individual preferences play a significant role in the overall experience, so it's best to try out different switches to find the one that suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile switch with a pronounced tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus is a great choice. These switches are known for their snappiness and swift responsiveness, making them ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually appealing element to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter 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. Moreover, they produce a deep and thocky sound profile, providing an enjoyable auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for weight, tactility, and sound.
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