Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience with unique characteristics. The Dragon Fruit switch stands out for its sharp and definitive bottom-out due to the long pole stem, providing a satisfying bump and clacky sound signature that appeals to tactility enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers medium-high tactility with its two-staged spring design, resulting in deep, resonating thocks while typing. Both switches are categorized as sharp and snappy, but the Dragon Fruit is labeled as invigorating while the Shadow switch is noted for being clacky, high-pitched, bouncy, and stepped. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
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
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have some key differences when it comes to their construction. The Dragon Fruit features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This contrasts with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, which also utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing for a similar effect. However, the Dragon Fruit stands out with its nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, absorbing more sound compared to the polycarbonate of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate due to its translucency, making it a popular choice for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. Despite this similarity, the Dragon Fruit's incorporation of nylon in the bottom housing sets it apart from the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, offering a different typing experience with a more muted and rounder sound. This creates a unique feel and sound profile for users, especially those who prefer a deeper and fuller typing experience.
The split housing materials of these switches further differentiate them in terms of feel and sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, providing different tactile feedback between the two switches. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, offering distinct characteristics based on the material used. Ultimately, while both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in the top housing, the Dragon Fruit's use of nylon in the bottom housing adds an extra layer of complexity to its overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Dragon Fruit has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit requires a heavier 65 grams compared to the Shadow's 63 grams. The Dragon Fruit provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Shadow offers a medium resistance. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Dragon Fruit may be the better option. However, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, the Dragon Fruit has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Dragon Fruit's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switches offer a clacky sound signature that is sharp and percussive, providing a lively typing experience that is distinctly heard. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches produce deep, resonating thocks when typing, giving a rich sound profile that can be satisfying to the ears. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Dragon Fruit being more clacky and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offering a deeper sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switches are described as sharp, snappy, and invigorating, with a pronounced tactile feedback that offers a medium level of tactility. The switches are known for their firm actuation force and reactive feel, providing an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are also sharp and snappy, with a bouncy and stepped feel that offers a dual-stage tactile feedback experience. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, with the Dragon Fruit being more focused on a sharp and crisp bump, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a bouncier and more elastic feedback.
In conclusion, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit provides a clacky sound signature and an invigorating typing experience with a sharp tactile feedback, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers deep thocks and a bouncy, stepped feel for a more elastic and dual-stage tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for tactile enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp, definitive bottom-out with significant tactile feedback, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switches would be a great choice. These switches offer a satisfying bump at each press and a clacky sound signature for a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a medium-high level of tactility with deep, resonating thocks, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches might be what you're looking for. These switches provide a sharp tactile bump and a super responsive feel, making your typing experience more lively. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so the decision between the Dragon Fruit and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches will depend on your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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