Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch to the Dareu Snow linear switch, one can see distinct differences in their design and functionality. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is ideal for those who prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, along with deep, resonating thocks while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow boasts an innovative use of POK material for a smoother linear typing experience and a deeper sound signature. While the Shadow switch is described as 'clacky,' 'high-pitched,' 'sharp,' 'accented,' 'snappy,' 'bouncy,' and 'stepped,' the Snow switch is categorized as 'thocky,' 'neutral,' 'low-pitched,' and '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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Snow, we can see that both switches use high-quality materials to enhance their sound profiles. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. On the other hand, the Snow employs POK for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POK material contributes to smooth and durable switches with a coefficient of friction that makes it one of the smoothest materials available. In contrast, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile that is rounder and duller compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, they both aim to achieve excellent sound profiles and durability for users. The polycarbonate used in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a sharper, crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the POK and nylon combination in the Snow offers a smooth and clacky sound with enhanced durability, making it a great choice for users seeking a more robust typing experience. While the specific characteristics of each material differ, both switches ultimately deliver quality performance and satisfying typing experiences.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Snow will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience desired. Users looking for a sharper and higher-pitched sound may prefer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Conversely, those seeking a smoother and clackier typing experience with enhanced durability may lean towards the Dareu Snow with its POK top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Weight
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 63 grams to bottom out, while the Snow needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the force required for keystrokes on both switches. The slight difference in force levels may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Snow switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Shadow switch. The shorter travel distance of the Snow switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Shadow switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed, which can be crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch offers a thocky, neutral, and low-pitched sound experience, providing deep, rich, and satisfying tones, suitable for various settings due to its moderate actuation force requirement. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Shadow switch offering a more sharp and bright sound, while the Snow switch provides a deeper and more mellow tone.
As for feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its sharp, accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feedback, delivering a high intensity tactile bump that is prominent and distinct with each keypress. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like and lively feel when typing. If you prefer a more pronounced and varied tactile feedback, the Shadow switch may be the better choice, whereas the Snow switch offers a consistent and elastic sensation for a more uniform typing experience.
Considering all the available information, both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Snow switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Shadow switch provides a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Snow switch offers a bouncier and more consistent tactile experience with a thocky, neutral, and low-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both switches providing a satisfying typing experience in their own way.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy a deep, resonating sound when typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound signature and a bouncy feedback sensation, the Dareu Snow would be the better choice for you. Consider what type of sound and feel you prefer in a keyboard switch, and choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.
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