TTC Flaming Purple vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, two prominent contenders stand out for their unique characteristics and performance - the TTC Flaming Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Flaming Purple, a linear switch, is distinguished by its resonant character and bassier sound signature, offering a touch of poppy undertones with its feathery touch. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, boasts a medium-high level of tactility due to its two-staged spring design, resulting in deep, resonating thocks during typing. While the Flaming Purple is easy-to-press and low-pitched, ideal for swift and effortless typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is clacky and sharp, offering a snappy and bouncy typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Flaming Purple and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual appeal to the switches. However, the differences arise when we look at the bottom housing material. The Flaming Purple opts for a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and clearer sound profile, in line with its top housing material.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing provides a more muted and rounded sound compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains a sharper and clearer sound. This difference in bottom housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch. Additionally, the material used in the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, further differentiating the two.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches can significantly impact the sound profile and overall typing experience. While both the Flaming Purple and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, their differing choices for the bottom housing material result in distinct sound profiles. The Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and clearer sound. Understanding the characteristics of each housing material is essential in selecting a switch that aligns with your preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is clear that the Flaming Purple is lighter overall. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, both of which are on the lighter side. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a medium level of resistance. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may lean towards the Flaming Purple, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Both switches provide different levels of force to cater to individual preferences, ensuring a comfortable typing experience based on personal preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, the Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple is shorter in travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Flaming Purple offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking increased responsiveness. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its bassier undertones and resonant character, providing a poppy undertone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, with deep and resonating thocks when typing. While the Flaming Purple offers a bassier and resonant sound, the Shadow switch provides a crisper and brighter sound experience, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a deeper, richer sound (Flaming Purple) or a sharper, more percussive sound (Shadow).
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized by its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a sharper and more accentuated tactile bump, providing a distinctive feedback intensity with each keypress. Additionally, the Shadow switch boasts a snappy and bouncy feel, adding a lively sensation to typing. Depending on your preference for a light and smooth typing experience (Flaming Purple) or a more pronounced and tactile feedback (Shadow), the choice between the two switches will vary.
Overall, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch excels in delivering a bassier and resonant sound profile with a feathery typing experience, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a sharp and accentuated tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, providing users with a variety of options to customize their typing experience. Whether you prioritize a smoother, lighter touch (Flaming Purple) or a crisper, more tactile feel (Shadow), both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing enjoyment. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience, allowing for a personalized and satisfying typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light, feathery typing experience with a slight bassy sound profile, the Flaming Purple switch with its 47g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility with deep thocks and a sharp, clacky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch with its 63g bottom-out force could be more fitting for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics. By weighing these considerations carefully, you can select the switch that enhances your typing experience and aligns with your individual preferences.
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