TTC Flame Red vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer two distinct experiences. The Flame Red switch is a linear switch, known for its smoothness and clacky sound profile. However, what truly sets it apart is its dazzling light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who prioritize having a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility. The long, two-staged spring provides a satisfying typing experience with deep, resonating thocks. While the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness, the Shadow switch offers a bouncy and snappy feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have distinct characteristics that impact their sound profiles and overall feel. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffer polycarbonate plastic produces a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Flame Red's opaque nylon top housing differs from the transparent polycarbonate used in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, making it less suitable for RGB lighting setups.
Moving onto the bottom housing, both switches follow a similar pattern but with different materials. The Flame Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, dampening the sound when keys are pressed down. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring enhances its sharpness and crispness, resulting in a more distinct sound when keys are bottomed out. Once again, the transparent nature of the polycarbonate bottom housing allows for potential RGB lighting effects, while the Flame Red lacks this feature.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel of each switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be most prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, while the Flame Red and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both offer unique experiences due to their respective housing materials, the general principles of the softer nylon and the stiffer polycarbonate remain consistent between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 55 grams. This means that a lighter touch is needed to trigger a keystroke on the Flame Red switch. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Flame Red switch has a force of 54 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly higher force of 63 grams. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires more pressure to fully press the key down compared to the Flame Red switch.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Flame Red switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter touch may be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods of time, such as in office settings or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial and pronounced typing experience, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch may be more suitable. The slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, allowing for a more satisfying typing experience.
Overall, while the Flame Red switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a slightly heavier and more tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own unique advantages and can cater to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch are equal. Both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that the user will experience the same distance when pressing down on a key with either switch. Whether using the Flame Red or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, the tactile feedback and overall typing experience would provide similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
The TTC Flame Red linear switch is visually stunning, especially when used on a backlit RGB keyboard. In terms of sound, it provides a neutral profile, which is perfect for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. The feel of the Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is known for its medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring. When typing on this switch, you can expect deep and resonating thocks. The sound profile of the Shadow switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound. The feel of the Shadow switch is sharp, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump, accented but not overwhelming. It offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience with a subtle amount of pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch excels in its visual appeal and provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile. It offers a mild and polished feel, suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch stands out with its two-staged spring and deep thock sound. It offers a sharp and accented feel, with a snappy and bouncy typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the Flame Red for a visually stunning and neutral experience or the Shadow switch for a tactile and sharp typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of these switches can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and a weighty smoothness in your typing experience, then the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the better choice for you. With its dazzling light diffuser, it is perfect for backlit, RGB keyboards. Additionally, the Flame Red offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, if you desire a medium-high level of tactility and deep resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the way to go. This switch variant features a long, two-staged spring for enhanced tactility. Furthermore, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a sharp and clacky sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a crisp and bright typing sound. With its multiple descriptors such as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, this switch provides a wide range of tactile qualities to suit individual preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Flame Red and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches depends on your specific preferences for visual aesthetics, sound profile, and level of tactility.
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