TTC Bluish White vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, both providing a satisfying tactile typing experience. The Bluish White switch offers a poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. It is categorized as "Buttery, Mild, Stepped, Subtle, Polished, Low-pitched". On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a medium level of tactility and a deep thocky sound profile. It is categorized as "Bouncy". If you desire a switch with a satisfying poppy feel, the TTC Bluish White is a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep thocky sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring have certain similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous if RGB lighting is used, as it allows the lighting to shine through effectively. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, these switches offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Bluish White utilizes a nylon material while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring uses polycarbonate. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. This distinction brings a notable difference in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, with the nylon bottom housing of the Bluish White offering a rounder sound compared to the clearer sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.
In summary, while both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing in terms of sound and aesthetics, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Bluish White's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on personal preference and typing experience, individuals may choose one switch over the other based on the perceived impact of these different bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch requires slightly more force at 48 grams. Both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, allowing for comfortable and efficient typing or gaming sessions without exerting too much effort.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Bluish White switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a bit more force to fully press the key down.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter switch for a longer typing duration or gaming sessions may lean towards the Bluish White switch. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more pronounced typing experience may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch with its slightly heavier forces. It is worth noting though, that both switches fall within the light to medium-light range, ensuring comfortable usage for a variety of users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is clear that the Bluish White has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, while 3.0 mm is recognized as the shallowest option. However, with the growing popularity of shorter travel distances, such as the 3.5 mm offered by the Bluish White, gamers particularly find this advantageous as it enables faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may lean towards the 4 mm travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, as those seeking a more responsive typing experience should opt for a shorter travel distance, while those desiring a more substantial feel may prefer the longer option.
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) 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.
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 Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a deeper and more bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is not mentioned, so we cannot provide specific information about it. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so results may vary.
Moving on to the feel, the Bluish White tactile switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the mild nature of these switches means that their sound and feel are approachable to most users, as they fall within a safe and middle-ground zone. Furthermore, the Bluish White tactile switches can be described as stepped, which means that they have two stages of tactile feedback, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. Lastly, these switches can also be considered subtle, providing a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant. This makes them suitable for shared spaces.
In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is described as bouncy. This means that these switches offer a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Unfortunately, no further details are given regarding the feel of these switches, so we cannot provide additional information.
Taking all the available information into account, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is best known for its poppy typing experience, snappy sound profile, buttery and mild feel, and subtle characteristics. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is highlighted for its medium level of tactility, lower actuation and bottom-out force, approachable tactility, deep and thocky sound profile, and bouncy feel. While both switches have their own unique qualities, if you are looking for a similar typing experience to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, the TTC Bluish White switch can provide a satisfyingly poppy and tactile experience with its own snappy and low-pitched sound profile, as well as its buttery, mild, and stepped feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who desires a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, we highly recommend the TTC Bluish White tactile switches. These switches provide a snappy sound profile and offer a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing feel. They have a low-pitched sound, which gives a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a slightly higher bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are the perfect choice. These switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile and have a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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