Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is ideal for those who prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for those looking for a balanced typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This results in a difference in sound profile, with the polycarbonate bottom housing providing a clearer and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience.
The contrasting housing materials of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Violet Gold Pro also highlight how the choice of material can impact the overall sound of a switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate used in both switches creates a distinct sound profile, with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring featuring a crisper tone compared to the Violet Gold Pro's slightly duller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Furthermore, the difference in material between the top and bottom housings of each switch affects the keypress experience, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the contrasting bottom housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro showcase how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch. The choice between a polycarbonate or nylon bottom housing can result in a clearer and crisper sound profile versus a deeper and fuller sound experience, demonstrating how housing materials play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the housing materials of a switch can significantly influence the sound and feel, making it essential for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to consider the materials used in both the top and bottom housings when choosing a switch for their setup.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch reveals some differences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 45 grams, making it more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, the bottom out force for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is also heavier at 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Violet Gold Pro's unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Violet Gold Pro due to its lower actuation force, while users who enjoy a more robust typing feel may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow Double Spring. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Shadow Double Spring being slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Violet Gold Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Shadow Double Spring. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which provides a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing environments. The choice between the two switches would largely depend on personal preference for sound, with the Shadow switch catering to those who enjoy a more crisp and bright typing sound, while the Violet Gold Pro switch offering a more balanced and moderate sound experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized by its sharp, accented, snappy, and bouncy tactile feedback, providing a highly responsive and lively typing sensation. Additionally, the stepped feel of the switch adds a unique two-stage tactile experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch also offers a stepped tactile feel, providing a more mild and subtle tactile feedback compared to the Shadow switch. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience but with varying intensities and characteristics, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch both offer tactile typing experiences but with distinct sound and feel qualities. The Shadow switch excels in producing a clacky and high-pitched typing sound, as well as providing a sharp and bouncy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound signature and a more mild tactile feel, making it a versatile option for users seeking a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, with both switches providing quality options for tactile keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be a perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be the Goldilocks option for a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactility, sound, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels right for you.
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