Dareu Dream vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch. The Dareu Dream is favored for its light linear feel and affordable price, making it a great choice for those seeking a quality switch without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is praised for its medium level of tactility and lower actuation force, providing a satisfying typing experience with a deep sound profile. While the Dareu Dream is known for being 'easy-to-press' and 'clacky', the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is categorized as 'bouncy'. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes the sound more clear and resonant, especially when RGB lighting is used. However, the Dream's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Dareu Dream and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring feature clear polycarbonate top housing, making them visually appealing, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the Dream's use of nylon for the bottom housing and the Shadow's continued use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing result in distinct sound characteristics. While the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Dream offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference allows for a unique typing experience depending on the switch chosen.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Dream and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, the Dream's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound compared to the Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing. Depending on whether you prefer a rounder, duller sound or a clearer, resonant tone, you can select the switch that best suits your typing preferences. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch impacts the overall sound profile and feel, providing a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is clear that the Dream is lighter in both aspects compared to the Shadow. The Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is lighter than the Shadow's 48 grams. Additionally, the Dream's bottom out force is unknown, whereas the Shadow requires 55 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Dream may be the better choice, while those looking for a more substantial and tactile typing feel may opt for the heavier force of the Shadow. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with options based on their preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. This uniformity can provide a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. Having the same travel distance can also make it easier to switch between keyboards with different switches while maintaining a similar typing feel. In terms of travel distance, both switches are equal and can offer a satisfying typing experience.
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) 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 Dareu Dream linear switch is commonly known for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, giving a crisp and percussive feel to typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is praised for its deep and thocky sound, providing a rich and satisfying auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Dream being more on the sharp side, and the Shadow leaning towards a deeper tone.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for key activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. The mild nature of the Dream switch provides a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a bouncy sensation, giving keys a lively and spring-like feedback when pressed. This tactile feedback adds a dynamic element to typing, enhancing the overall typing feel. Both switches offer different tactile sensations, with the Dream focusing on ease of use and the Shadow providing a bouncier feel.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch excels in offering a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a clacky sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for an affordable yet quality option. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch stands out for its medium tactility, deep thocky sound, and bouncy feel, catering to users who prefer a more dynamic and engaging typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are in the market for a light and smooth linear switch that won't break the bank, the Dareu Dream switch is a great choice. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is the way to go. When it comes to sound, the Dream is clacky, producing a sharp and snappy noise, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a deep and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Dream is easy-to-press and mild, providing a gentle typing experience, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is bouncy, giving a spring-like feedback sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch will depend on whether you prioritize affordability and light linear keys or medium tactility and a deeper sound profile in your mechanical keyboard.
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