TTC Brother vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique experiences for users. The TTC Brother is renowned for its lightweight nature and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, making it a top favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, offering a comfortable medium-light keystroke experience. While the Brother is characterized by its easy-to-press and stepped properties, the Windy Shadow is known for its low-pitched and mild attributes. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Brother and the Aflion Windy Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other materials. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for the light to shine through the housing. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing.
In contrast, the Brother and Windy Shadow use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. While the top housing may impact the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite utilizing different materials for their bottom housing, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of typing sound and feel due to the characteristics of nylon.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the TTC Brother and the Aflion Windy Shadow plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While polycarbonate top housings create a clearer and crisper sound, nylon bottom housings result in a deeper and fuller sound. The combination of these materials in each switch offers a unique balance of characteristics, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the sound when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Brother and the Windy Shadow contribute to their individual sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Windy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. The Brother switch does not provide information on the bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Brother switch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Aflion Windy Shadow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches suggests that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing experience. Ultimately, the travel distance of 3.5 mm for both switches offers consistent tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience for users, regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Windy 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 Windy 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
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Brother clicky switch provides a satisfyingly crunchy sound with a breezy actuation of 37g, offering a tactile experience that is both precise and enjoyable for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow linear switch presents a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone and a comfortable 55g bottom-out, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience for a wider range of users. While the Brother switch is easy-to-press and features a stepped feel, the Windy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference, as both switches excel in their respective qualities, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you value a lightweight actuation force, a satisfyingly crunchy sound, and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, the Brother switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile, a medium-light bottom-out force, and a gentle typing experience with a mild feel, the Windy Shadow switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider these aspects carefully to choose the switch that best fits your needs and enhances your overall keyboarding experience.
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