Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, a tactile switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, also a tactile switch. The NovelKeys Blueberry is renowned for its distinct sharp tactile bump, making it a fantastic choice for those who prefer a pronounced typing feel. Additionally, it offers a lower-than-average sound frequency, adding to the overall pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility, making it a great option for individuals seeking a balance between feedback and smooth keystrokes. It features a lower actuation force and bottom-out force, resulting in a comfortable and approachable typing experience. Furthermore, it provides a deep and thocky sound profile, adding a touch of auditory satisfaction. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches differ in their housing materials, with the Blueberry featuring a POM top and bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. POM housings create a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a unique and pleasing typing experience. In contrast, polycarbonate housings result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for RGB lighting purposes. Overall, these differences in housing materials give the two switches distinct acoustic characteristics.
When it comes to the bottom housings of the Blueberry and Shadow (Ink), both employ different materials that have a notable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The POM bottom housing of the Blueberry contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, delivering a more soothing typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) creates a sharper and crisper sound, offering a more vibrant and lively typing sensation. These differences in bottom housing materials affect the overall typing experience and the tactile feedback of the switches.
While the bottom housings of the Blueberry and Shadow (Ink) differ in material, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. The POM top housing of the Blueberry offers a slightly more muted and deeper sound when the key is let go, contributing to a smooth and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound when keys are released. This creates a more crisp and noticeable acoustic feedback, enhancing the typing experience for users. Therefore, the different top housing materials of these switches result in distinct auditory responses when keys are released, further differentiating the two switches in terms of sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's lighter force of 48 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Blueberry is heavier at 80 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires less force to bottom out at 55 grams. This means that the Blueberry switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a slightly lighter typing experience, which can be advantageous for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions that require extended keyboard usage. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch are both equal, with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the NovelKeys Blueberry or the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, you can expect similarly satisfying feedback and tactile response. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances.
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) 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
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches have a very sharp and tactile bump, providing a typing experience that is preferred by those who enjoy a sharp feel when typing. These switches produce a lower-than-average sound frequency, with a deep and clean tone that is not overly "thocky." On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer a medium level of tactility, making them suitable for users who prefer a more approachable tactile feel. These switches have a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a tactile feedback that is smooth and easy to engage with. Additionally, they offer a deep and thocky sound profile, which adds to the auditory experience when typing.
In terms of sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches have a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to switches with higher pitches. The sound is resonant, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by any switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches are described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. These descriptors indicate that these switches provide a super responsive typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. They have noticeable friction when pressed, which some users might prefer for a textured feel. The feedback is pronounced, and the actuation force is moderate to firm. However, they require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are described as bouncy. This means that they offer a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively and rebounding feel when pressed. The specific tactile feel of these switches is not provided in the information given.
Based on the available information, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches are best suited for those who prefer a sharp typing feel with a deep sound profile. They offer a combination of snappiness, buttery smoothness, and invigorating feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are recommended for users who prefer a medium level of tactility and a bouncy feel. These switches have a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a smoother and approachable typing experience with a deep and thocky sound profile. While the specific tactile feel of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches is not mentioned, it is likely to provide a satisfying tactile feedback based on its description as a single spring variant of the Aflion Shadow switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on an individual's personal preference for tactile feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you prefer a switch with a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is a great choice for you. It offers a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and provides a snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and slightly stiff typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow Single Spring tactile switch is the recommended option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a bouncy feel when typing. Ultimately, your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience will guide your decision between these two switches.
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