TTC Flaming Purple vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring stand out as distinct options for different preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a resonant and bassy sound signature, making every keystroke engaging and enjoyable. With its feathery feel and easy-to-press nature, it is ideal for both enthusiasts and daily typists looking for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch provides a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, offering a bouncy feel while typing. With a deep and thocky sound profile, it provides a satisfying auditory experience. Each switch has its unique characteristics and appeal, catering to different preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate in their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, they differ in terms of their bottom housing material, with the Flaming Purple using nylon and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring using polycarbonate.
The nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Purple offers a unique typing experience, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring aligns with the top housing material, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile overall. While both switches offer different typing experiences based on their bottom housing material, they both deliver quality sound profiles characteristic of their respective materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While they both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharper sound profile, their differing bottom housing materials result in unique typing experiences. The split between the top and bottom housing qualities showcases how each material impacts the switch's overall sound and feel, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials and sound profiles.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch. The Flaming Purple requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 47 grams to bottom out, while the Shadow (Ink) needs 48 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. The lighter weight of the Flaming Purple makes it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods, while the slightly heavier weight of the Shadow (Ink) provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a distinct feel based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it's evident that the Flaming Purple has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a more substantial and satisfying keypress with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a snappy response or a more deliberate keypress. Both switches offer unique experiences, but the Flaming Purple excels in speed, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a deeper keypress sensation.
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) Single 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) Single 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 offers a bassier and resonant sound profile, providing a touch of poppy undertone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is known for its deep and thocky sound, making typing a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, with the Flaming Purple leaning towards a bassier tone while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a thocky sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Flaming Purple is lauded for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience. While the Flaming Purple offers a silky and feathery typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a bouncy and lively feel to each keystroke.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassier and resonant sound with a feathery typing feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring delivers a thocky sound profile and bouncy keystroke feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a bassier, feathery feel or a thocky, bouncy typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light touch, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch would be a great choice for you. The bassy and resonant sound profile adds a touch of character to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is a solid option. Its bouncy feel provides a lively feedback sensation, making typing engaging and enjoyable. Consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback when choosing between these two switches to enhance your typing experience.
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