Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Sky V3 are two popular options to consider. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch known for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks when typing. It is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped'. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch that offers a neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, providing a balance for various typing preferences. It is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Sky V3 both feature polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials offer unique sound experiences. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring excels in providing a clear and sharp bottom-out sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, complementing the crisp sound produced by the top housing. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V3's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, creating a distinct typing experience. These contrasting qualities in the bottom housing materials allow for a diverse range of sound profiles and tactile feedback when using these switches in a keyboard setup.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Sky V3 play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feel of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in the Dareu Sky V3 offers a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear sound profile or a duller and rounder sound, these switches provide distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their setup based on personal preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces vary between the two. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a decent amount of feedback for typists. In contrast, the Sky V3 switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to type for longer durations without causing fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Sky V3 switch is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch in terms of overall force required. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or a slightly heavier force for a more tactile typing experience will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches. While one is not shorter or longer than the other in terms of travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and feedback when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, producing sharp and snappy sounds that are crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various typing preferences and environments. Depending on your preference for sound, the Shadow switch will provide a more distinct and punchy typing experience, while the Sky V3 switch will offer a quieter and more subtle sound that is less obtrusive.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing a tactile experience that is highly responsive and lively. The Dareu Sky V3 switch, on the other hand, is characterized as mild, offering a gentler typing experience with qualities that fall within a safe middle-ground zone. If you prefer a more intense and dynamic tactile feedback, the Shadow switch will deliver a more pronounced and lively typing sensation. In contrast, the Sky V3 switch will provide a softer and more approachable typing feel that caters to a wider range of users who prefer a more subtle tactile response.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp and clacky sound profile, as well as a tactile experience that is responsive and lively, the Shadow switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral and subdued sound, along with a gentler typing feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, the Sky V3 switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, deep thocks, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, or stepped tactile feel, then the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound signature, a subdued sound profile, and a mild typing experience, then the Sky V3 would be the better option. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider what factors are most important to you before making your decision.
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