Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single 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) Single Spring and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer unique advantages. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, making it approachable for a wide range of users. With a deep and thocky sound profile, this switch is perfect for those who appreciate a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for those seeking 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, one noticeable similarity is that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users seeking a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, they differ in terms of their bottom housings – the Shadow (Ink) features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Violet Gold Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in the Violet Gold Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. With the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro having different bottom housing materials, users can expect varying levels of sound and tactile feedback depending on which switch they choose. This distinction highlights the importance of considering not only the top housing material for its impact on sound profile and aesthetics but also the bottom housing material for its contribution to the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, they offer different bottom housing materials – polycarbonate for the Shadow (Ink) and nylon for the Violet Gold Pro. This results in a nuanced typing experience for users, with the Shadow (Ink) providing a sharper and clearer sound profile, and the Violet Gold Pro offering a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics, as each housing material brings unique qualities to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is apparent that the Shadow (Ink) has a slightly higher actuation and bottom out force compared to the Violet Gold Pro. The Shadow (Ink) requires 48 grams of force to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. This makes the Violet Gold Pro potentially lighter overall in comparison to the Shadow (Ink). Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Shadow (Ink) for a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the lighter feel of the Violet Gold Pro for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we can see that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring being slightly on the longer side. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the Violet Gold Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the depth and responsiveness of the key press.
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 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 Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, which can be satisfying for many users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch is described as having a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option that can suit a variety of preferences without being too loud or too quiet. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by the keyboard they are installed on and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is praised for its bouncy sensation, providing users with a lively and responsive typing experience that can add an extra level of comfort and enjoyment to their daily use. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch is characterized as having a stepped tactile feel, offering a more subtle feedback with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. This can cater to users who prefer a more nuanced tactile response in their typing experience.
Considering the information provided, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer different but equally appealing qualities for users seeking a tactile typing experience. While the Shadow (Ink) switch provides a deeper sound profile and a bouncy feel, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a more neutral sound and a stepped tactile sensation. Both switches cater to individuals with medium tactility preferences, allowing for a balanced typing experience that can suit a variety of typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be a great choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more balanced typing experience with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro might be the better option. Consider your typing preferences, sound preferences, and whether you prefer a bouncy or stepped feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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