TTC Flaming Purple vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Flaming Purple and Aflion Windy Shadow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches offering unique features to cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is characterized by its bassier sound profile and feather-light actuation force of 47g, promising a swift and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a slightly heavier 55g bottom-out, providing a comfortable medium-light feel. While the Flaming Purple excels in its resonant and poppy undertones, the Windy Shadow focuses on a more mild and neutral auditory 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
N/A
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and Aflion Windy Shadow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, the differences in the bottom housing material between the TTC Flaming Purple and Aflion Windy Shadow will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the nylon bottom housing of the switches will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing will enhance the sharpness and clarity of the sound.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Flaming Purple and Aflion Windy Shadow share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the specific qualities of each material will affect the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switches. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the sound and feel that each housing material provides. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of the sound profiles offered by both switches due to the properties of polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, there are noticeable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Flaming Purple has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Windy Shadow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a medium-light feel. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the Flaming Purple is overall lighter in terms of force required for keystrokes. This makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue can be a concern. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a bit more resistance, providing a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Flaming Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow, but the difference is minimal. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing a quick and responsive typing or gaming experience. It all comes down to personal preference and whether you prefer a slightly longer or shorter travel distance for your typing needs.
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 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 Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its bassier sound profile and feathery feel, providing a unique auditory and tactile experience for typists. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making it a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a poppy undertone and easy-to-press feel with the Flaming Purple or a comfortable medium-light bottom-out and neutral sound with the Windy Shadow, both switches offer high-quality performance for different preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel characteristics, ensuring that you get a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, if you are looking for a linear switch with a light bottom-out force and a slightly bassier sound profile, the TTC Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. With its feathery feel and poppy undertone, this switch offers a swift and engaging typing experience that is suitable for enthusiasts and daily typists alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom-out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the perfect fit for you. With its comfortable feel and neutral sound, these switches offer a reliable and approachable typing experience that can cater to a wide range of users. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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