TTC Bluish White vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both of which provide a satisfying tactile typing experience. The Bluish White switch is known for its buttery and mild tactility, offering a subtle and polished typing feel. It emits a low-pitched sound profile that adds a satisfying pop to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch caters to those seeking a higher level of tactility. With its unique two-staged spring design, it provides a clacky and sharp typing experience, accompanied by deep and resonating thocks. This switch offers a bouncy and snappy feel, making it stand out among the tactile switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper to explore the specifics of each switch so you can make an informed decision and choose the one that best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which helps to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful if RGB lighting is incorporated into the switch.
However, when it comes to their bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the properties of its top housing. This contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to what is experienced with the top housing.
When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material are divided. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the housing combination of the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring allows for a dynamic sound experience throughout the typing or gaming process.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Shadow Double Spring has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a more effortless keystroke, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it ideal for individuals who use their keyboard extensively at work or engage in marathon gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Shadow Double Spring switch caters to those who desire a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Its higher actuation and bottom out forces offer a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying keystroke feedback. This would appeal to individuals who prioritize a robust and responsive typing experience.
Although the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, both options deliver reliable tactile feedback. Therefore, users seeking a similar tactile response can achieve comparable results with either the lighter Bluish White or the slightly heavier Shadow Double Spring switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences regarding typing force and the desired typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, on the other hand, offers a more substantial push feel with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. By considering factors such as desired weight and typing experience, individuals can make an informed decision when selecting between these two tactile switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there is a clear difference. The Bluish White switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer. The 4.0mm distance is the most traditional and commonly found in switches, while the 3.5mm distance is on the shallower side. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the TTC Bluish White switch a viable option for them. However, for those who prefer a more satisfying depth to their keystrokes, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch with its longer travel distance may be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two options depends on personal preference and whether one values responsiveness or depth in their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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.
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 TTC Bluish White switch is known for a low-pitched tone. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It has a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, if you prefer a low-pitched and mellow sound, the Bluish White would be a good choice, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a clacky and high-pitched sound experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, and stepped. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristics make it approachable to most users, as it falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the stepped nature of the switch adds some pre-travel and/or post-travel, contributing to its mild tactile feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. It offers high feedback intensity with a distinct and prominent tactile bump. The snappiness and bounciness of the switch make the typing experience feel more alive and provide a spring-like sensation. Similar to the Bluish White, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch also features a stepped design, offering mild tactile feedback.
Taking into consideration the available information, it's clear that the TTC Bluish White and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer different subjective qualities. The Bluish White provides a low-pitched and mellow sound, along with a buttery, mild, and stepped feel. It is suitable for those who desire a poppy typing experience with smooth and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, with a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel. It is recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a lively typing experience. Although they have distinct characteristics, both switches provide a mild tactile experience with a stepped design, ensuring a comfortable typing feel. If you prefer a low-pitched and mellow sound along with a buttery and mild feel, you would find similar qualities in both switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches provide a snappy sound profile with low-pitched characteristics, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch offers a buttery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing experience, ensuring a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the ideal option. Typing on these switches provides deep, resonating thocks with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel, allowing for a strong and crisp tactile bump with responsive and lively key presses. Ultimately, the choice between TTC Bluish White and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring hinges on your preferences for bottom out force, sound characteristics, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
