Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are numerous options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular choices in the tactile switch category are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The NovelKeys Blueberry is renowned for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying and pronounced typing feel. Additionally, it offers a lower-than-average sound frequency, resulting in a moderately deep, resonant sound that is not overly thocky. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring boasts a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its distinctive two-staged spring design. Typing on the Shadow switches produces deep and resonating thocks, providing a satisfying auditory experience. While both switches offer tactile feedback, they differ in their overall sound profile and tactility levels. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetic attributes. The Blueberry switch features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) switch incorporates a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its translucency, the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) switch is especially beneficial for users planning to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for better illumination.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique and pleasing sound profiles. The POM housing of the Blueberry switch contributes to a distinct deep tone, which some users may find more enjoyable. Similarly, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) switch provides a clear and resonant sound, which can be particularly appealing for individuals seeking a crisper typing experience. Although the sound profiles differ, both switches are designed to enhance the overall auditory feedback during typing.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials play a role in the tactile feel and sound experience of the switches. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing has a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the different housing materials of each switch will affect these aspects differently. Whether it's the POM or polycarbonate, the choice of housing material in each switch contributes to the overall tactile and auditory feedback during typing, providing users with options to suit their preferences. Therefore, while the specific qualities of the housing materials may differ, users can still achieve similar results in terms of enhancing their typing experience with either the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that there are both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches require 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a similar feel when initially pressing the keys. This ensures that users will have a consistent typing experience when using either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a notable distinction. The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a slightly lighter feel.
The weight of the switches is an important consideration for individuals who have specific preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing and is especially suitable for scenarios such as work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who seek a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may find the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch more appealing.
In conclusion, while both switches have a similar actuation force, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a heavier bottom out force, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a slightly lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either key, you will feel a similar distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is best known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a typing experience that is favored by those who enjoy a distinct and pronounced tactile feedback. When typing on these switches, the sound produced is lower than average in frequency, resulting in a deep but not "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring. Typing on these switches produces deep and resonating thocks, creating a satisfying auditory experience.
In terms of sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch has a low-pitched sound profile characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It provides a clean and sharp audio experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, creating an immersive auditory sensation. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a clacky sound, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. These switches have a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a snappy and invigorating typing experience. These switches feature longer or dual-staged springs, making them highly responsive and giving a lively feel to each keypress. The typing sensation of the NovelKeys Blueberry switch can be described as buttery, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. Some users might appreciate the textured or scratchy feel of these switches, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free experience. Additionally, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch requires more force to actuate and bottom-out, fitting into the category of stiff switches.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharp and accented tactile feedback. With its strong and crisp tactile bump, these switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Similar to the NovelKeys Blueberry switch, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch also offers a snappy and responsive typing experience. These switches have a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Furthermore, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch falls into the category of stepped switches, giving a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics described, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The NovelKeys Blueberry switch emphasizes a sharp tactile bump, a lower-than-average sound frequency, and a range of feel descriptors from snappy to stiff. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch emphasizes a medium-high level of tactility, resonating thocks, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and feel descriptors such as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. While both switches provide enjoyable tactile experiences, the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences in terms of the desired level of tactility, sound profile, and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who loves a sharp typing feel and prefers a switch with a heavy bottom out force, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. With its very sharp tactile bump and lower-than-average sound frequency, you can expect a satisfying typing experience without the loud "thocky" sound. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is ideal. These switches provide deep, resonating thocks when typed on and offer a satisfying level of feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when deciding between the two.
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