TTC Bluish White vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow are two options that stand out for their unique qualities. The Bluish White offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly poppy feel and a snappy sound profile. Its characteristics are described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow boasts a pronounced tactile bump and a harmoniously balanced medium weight feel. With a 63.5g bottom-out weight and a neutral sound signature, it falls into the categories of 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is transparent, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for their top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housing. The Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing for a similar effect.
Even though both the Bluish White and Thunder Shadow have nylon bottom housings, the impact of the top and bottom housing materials can differ when it comes to keypresses. The qualities of the bottom housing material in a switch will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the top housing material will have more influence on the sound when keys are released. In this case, both switches will offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials. Despite their similarities, subtle differences may still be present depending on how the materials interact during typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials utilized in the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound, their nylon bottom housings offer a different acoustic experience, with the Bluish White providing a sharper sound and the Thunder Shadow offering a fuller sound. The distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings also influences the overall typing feel and sound, showcasing how the materials chosen can impact the user experience in subtle ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The TTC Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. The actuation force of the Thunder Shadow is unknown, but based on the bottom out force, it is safe to assume that it requires a stronger push feel compared to the Bluish White. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Bluish White, while those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel may lean towards the Thunder Shadow for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance can provide a consistent typing experience for users who prefer this specific measurement. Overall, the TTC Bluish White and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches offer the same tactile feedback and actuation force, with the only difference being their branding and design.
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 Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 comparing the sound of the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches, we see a clear difference in their characteristics. The Bluish White switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow switch has a neutral sound signature, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Bluish White appealing to those who enjoy a deeper tone, while the Thunder Shadow provides a more versatile option for various typing scenarios.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Bluish White offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. These qualities combine to provide a smooth and effortless keystroke that is gentle yet refined. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. The Thunder Shadow switch aims to provide an immersive typing sensation with its firm actuation force. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback and typing experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feels to cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Bluish White provides a low-pitched sound and a smooth, polished typing experience, the Thunder Shadow offers a neutral sound signature and an invigorating typing feel. Depending on one's preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide quality options for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether choosing the Bluish White for its poppy sound or the Thunder Shadow for its balanced feel, users can expect high-quality performance from both tactile switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you desire a lighter bottom out force and a snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Bluish Whites may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a neutral sound profile and an invigorating tactile feel, the Thunder Shadows could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a poppy typing experience or a balance of tactile feedback and medium weight feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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