Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mechanical keyboard switches, there are some distinct differences to consider. The Dragon Fruit switch stands out with its long pole stem, providing a sharp and definitive bottom-out that tactile enthusiasts appreciate. It offers a significant tactile feedback with a satisfying bump at each press, along with a clacky sound signature for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch from Aflion is known for its medium level of tactility and lower actuation and bottom-out force. This switch offers a more approachable tactility and features a deep and thocky sound profile. While the Dragon Fruit switch is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy', the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is categorized as 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their own unique strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Despite sharing the same material for the top housing, the Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a clearer and more resonant sound.
While the Dragon Fruit and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both incorporate polycarbonate for their top housings, they differ in the materials used for their bottom housings. The Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing delivers a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. This contrast in bottom housing materials contributes to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch, with the Dragon Fruit offering a deeper typing sound and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring providing a sharper and crisper sound.
The distinction between the top and bottom housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring showcases how different material compositions can affect the typing experience. While both switches benefit from the sharp and resonant qualities of polycarbonate in their top housings, the Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing offers a unique sound profile with a deeper tone, in contrast to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing, which results in a clearer sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Dragon Fruit requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 48 grams needed for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit requires a heavier 65 grams compared to the 55 grams needed for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. This makes the Dragon Fruit switch more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. The Dragon Fruit offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may find more comfortable for typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dragon Fruit being on the shorter end and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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) 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 BSUN Dragon Fruit switches are known for their clacky sound signature, which adds to the lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, but the Dragon Fruit leans towards a sharper and more defined sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a deeper and more solid sound quality.
Moving on to feel, the Dragon Fruit switches are often described as invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a prominent amount of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still satisfying. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed. While the Dragon Fruit switches focus on a sharp and pronounced tactile bump, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer a more bouncy and responsive typing experience.
Overall, if you enjoy a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switches would be the ideal choice for you. If you prefer a more approachable level of tactility with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches would be a great option. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider the level of tactility and force you prefer in a switch. If you enjoy a sharp, definitive bottom-out with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more approachable tactility with a medium-light bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is the better option for you. Both switches offer unique typing experiences with their own set of characteristics, so choose based on your personal typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the tactile feedback and typing feel that best suits your needs and preferences.
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