Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Dareu Sky V4 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 and the Dareu Sky V4 offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring stands out for its tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 offers a smooth linear action with a deep sound profile, thanks to its innovative use of POK material in the top housing. While the Shadow switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', the Sky V4 features a mix of characteristics including 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its own strengths, making it essential to delve deeper into their specific features to determine the best fit for your typing 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Shadow (Ink) utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. On the other hand, the Sky V4 features a POK top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POK material is praised for its smoothness and durability, offering a clacky sound profile with exceptional wear and shock resistance. In contrast to the Shadow's polycarbonate, the nylon bottom housing of the Sky V4 creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature.
Despite their differences, both the Shadow (Ink) and the Sky V4 prioritize sound quality and durability in their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) results in a distinct sound profile that is sharper and more resonant, particularly when combined with RGB lighting. In comparison, the POK material of the Sky V4 offers a smooth and clacky typing experience, with superior wear and shock resistance. While the Sky V4's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, complementing the overall typing experience. Overall, both switches aim to enhance the user's typing experience through their unique housing materials.
The distribution of housing materials in the Shadow (Ink) and the Sky V4 also plays a crucial role in their sound output. The qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are divided between the two switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound upon key release. This division allows for a more dynamic sound profile that combines the benefits of multiple materials. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) or the smoother, clacky typing experience of the Sky V4's POK material, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them equal in terms of heaviness when fully pressed. However, the Shadow (Ink) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Sky V4's 45 grams. This means that the Sky V4 will feel slightly lighter and easier to trigger keystrokes with, while the Shadow (Ink) will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience with a firmer actuation force. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light in terms of overall force required. When it comes to weight preferences, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Sky V4 for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Shadow (Ink) for a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Dareu Sky V4 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. This means that the Dareu Sky V4 may provide a slightly quicker response time when typing or gaming, which can be preferred by those looking for a faster input experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile feel. Both switches provide a different experience in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences among users.
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 V4 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 V4 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, delivering a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a unique sound signature with a deeper tone that complements its smooth linear action, creating a rich and pleasant typing sound. Both switches provide a pleasing typing experience, but the Shadow switch may offer a slightly more pronounced and tactile sound feedback compared to the Sky V4.
Moving on to feel, both the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Dareu Sky V4 switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation when pressed. This characteristic gives the keys a lively feel and offers users a sense of rebound when typing. The tactile experience between the two switches may vary due to the difference in their switch type (tactile vs. linear), with the Shadow switch offering a medium level of tactility while the Sky V4 switch delivers a smooth linear action.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide a satisfying typing experience overall. The Shadow switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deep thocky sound profile, while the Sky V4 switch caters to users looking for a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, then the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear action with a deep and satisfying sound signature, then the Sky V4 is the switch to go for. Both switches offer a bouncy feel, but each excels in different aspects to cater to varying typing preferences. Consider your typing style and sound preference before making your decision, and you will surely find the perfect switch that enhances your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
