TTC Brother vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer unique experiences for users. The Brother stands out for its lightweight and breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that clicky switch enthusiasts will love. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion features a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out, offering a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Brother is categorized as crunchy, easy to press, and stepped, the Thunder Shadow is described as invigorating and neutral. Each switch has its own advantages, but ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal preference and typing style. Let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision regarding the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Aflion Thunder Shadow share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while the top housings are the same, the bottom housings differ between the two switches.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the TTC Brother features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow also utilizes a nylon bottom housing with similar characteristics, giving a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing on the switch. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches helps to balance out the sound profile created by the stiffer polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Aflion Thunder Shadow play a significant role in the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, they both use nylon in their bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound experience. The different housing materials work together to create a well-rounded sound profile, with each material contributing its unique qualities to the overall typing experience. Whether it be the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing or the fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a diverse sound profile for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is unknown. However, the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, compared to the Brother's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Brother switch may provide a lighter typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow switch may offer a more substantial feel. Some users may prefer the Brother switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the Thunder Shadow for a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it can be said that they offer a consistent and similar feel in terms of travel distance. Both switches require the same amount of pressure to actuate and provide a satisfying tactile feedback. This means that whether you choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, you can expect to get a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, which will surely please enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch boasts a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of settings and preferences. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can deliver a satisfying auditory experience, with the Brother providing a more pronounced and distinct click, while the Thunder Shadow offers a more balanced and versatile sound.
In terms of feel, the Brother clicky switch is favored for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for key presses, resulting in a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Additionally, it features a stepped tactile bump, providing a unique keystroke sensation. Conversely, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers an invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, ensuring a reactive and immersive typing experience. While the Brother switch emphasizes a light and responsive feel, the Thunder Shadow switch excels in providing a more robust and engaging tactile experience.
Taking all of the available information into consideration, it is evident that both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Brother switch excels in delivering a crisp and crunchy sound accompanied by a lightweight and easy-to-press feel, while the Thunder Shadow switch provides a more balanced sound profile and an invigorating tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, regardless of the choice made, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from either of these switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lightweight actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, the Brother switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy feel with a pronounced tactile bump and a neutral sound profile, the Thunder Shadow switch could be more suited to your typing needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Brother or Thunder Shadow, you'll be getting a high-quality switch that enhances your typing experience.
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