Dareu Dream vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer distinctive qualities to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its light actuation force and affordability, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts looking for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring stands out for its tactile feedback with a medium-high level of tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with deep thocks. While the Dream is characterized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Clacky', and 'Mild', the Shadow switch is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their own unique strengths, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring are quite similar, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the light to shine through effectively. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, offering a clearer and more resonant sound profile compared to nylon.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is the impact that the housing materials have on the overall typing experience. With the bottom housing material playing a role in the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Dream provides a softer and more cushioned typing experience than the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. On the flip side, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile upon key release. Despite these differences, the overall typing experience may feel similar due to the shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Dream and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on their housing materials. While they share the use of polycarbonate in the top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Dream provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Additionally, the impact of the bottom and top housing materials on the typing experience varies between the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Overall, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch present clear differences. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, which requires 55 grams. Additionally, the Dream lacks information on bottom out force, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Weight is crucial to consider when choosing a switch, as lighter switches allow for longer typing sessions, while heavier switches offer a stronger push feel. In this case, the Dream would be preferred for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be more suitable for individuals seeking a heavier and more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As such, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a consistent typing experience for users looking for a key switch with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound, offering a sharp and crisp tone when pressed. Similarly, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch also produces a clacky sound profile that resonates deeply when typing. While both switches share a clacky sound profile, the Shadow switch also adds a high-pitched element to its sound, creating a sharper and crisper tone compared to the Dream switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream is described as easy-to-press and mild, offering a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing a high level of tactility and feedback intensity with each keypress. The Shadow switch offers a more dynamic and tactile typing experience compared to the Dream switch's gentle and approachable feel.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch both excel in their own right, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a light linear switch with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Dream switch is a great option. On the other hand, if you seek a tactile switch with a sharp, high-pitched sound and a highly tactile, responsive feel, the Shadow switch would be the ideal choice. It's important to consider your personal typing preferences and priorities in sound and feel when selecting between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light linear switch with no bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, and an easy-to-press, mild typing experience, then the Dareu Dream switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, a bottom out force of 63 grams, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped typing feel, then the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be a suitable option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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