Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Sky V3, a linear switch, stand out as popular options. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is known for its medium level of tactility, making it a great choice for those seeking a tactile typing experience with a lower actuation and bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a comfortable and precise typing experience for a wide range of preferences. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, it's important to delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to determine the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Dareu Sky V3, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This commonality means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switches. However, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring also features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Dareu Sky V3 utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This difference means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring will be sharper and clearer, whereas the Sky V3 will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, it is important to note that the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring also incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing. This means that the overall sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring will be consistent and cohesive from top to bottom. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3's nylon bottom housing will provide a different typing experience, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the crisper sound of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. This difference in housing materials showcases how subtle variations can impact the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of sound and feel, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in the overall performance of a switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring results in a clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Sky V3 absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Additionally, the impact of the housing materials can be felt when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and Dareu Sky V3 offer users unique sound profiles and typing experiences to cater to their preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch with a force of 40 grams. The bottom out force of the Shadow (Ink) is also higher at 55 grams, while the Dareu Sky V3's bottom out force is unknown. The Shadow (Ink) switch provides a medium-light typing experience, offering a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch may provide a lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force. Both switches have their own advantages - the Shadow (Ink) for those who prefer a slightly heavier keypress, and the Sky V3 for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of key travel. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of the tactile feedback and typing experience provided by these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is described as having a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of typing preferences and environments. While the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a more distinctive and pronounced sound, the Sky V3 provides a more subdued and versatile sound profile that can cater to different preferences and settings.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is characterized as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with a lively feel and satisfying rebound. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. While the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a more dynamic and responsive feel, the Sky V3 switch offers a smoother and more consistent typing experience that is comfortable for extended use.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch and the Dareu Sky V3 switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch excels in providing a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, ideal for typists looking for a tactile experience with a distinctive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch boasts a neutral sound signature and mild feel, catering to a wider range of typing preferences with its versatile and comfortable characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound signature and a mild typing experience that caters to various preferences, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound profile or prefer a more versatile typing experience. Consider your personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between these two switches.
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