Dareu Firefly vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both offer unique characteristics worth exploring. The Firefly switch is praised for its quiet operation, providing a light actuation and subtle clickiness, making it ideal for those looking for an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch boasts a medium-high level of tactility with a two-staged spring design, delivering deep, resonating thocks and a clacky, sharp feel. While the Firefly switch offers a more subtle typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a more accentuated and bouncy typing feel. 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 Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall for the Firefly.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Firefly's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring maintains a sharper, higher-pitched sound. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material, in this case, both being polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile. However, the divergence in bottom housing materials sets them apart as the Firefly with nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a crisper sound. This contrast in housing materials affects the overall sound experience and tactile feel of the switches when typing, making each keyboard unique in its own way.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Firefly may be preferred for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. The Firefly also has an unknown bottom out force, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is considered medium. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and actuation point. Overall, the travel distance of these switches allows for a consistent typing experience, ensuring that users can easily adjust to either switch without experiencing significant differences in keypress distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly 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 Firefly switch offers a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches, providing a quieter typing experience with just a hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds with deep thocks during typing. Depending on personal preference, the Firefly switch may be preferred for its quieter and more subtle sound, while the Shadow switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and percussive typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and minimal force required to activate the keys. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized by its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback. The prominent tactility of the Shadow switch provides a more intense and lively typing experience, with distinct feedback felt with each keypress.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly switch excels in providing a quieter and easier-to-press typing experience with a subtle clickiness, appealing to users who prefer a more understated sound and gentle key actuation. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a more pronounced and tactile typing experience with sharp and crisp sounds, ideal for those who enjoy a more intense and responsive feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and light clicky switch with a unique feel and sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility with deep thocks and a sharp, clacky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch should be your go-to option. Each switch offers its own distinct characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Consider your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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