TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, providing a gentle bump that allows for an immersive typing experience without creating too much noise. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a medium-high level of tactility with a distinctive two-staged spring design that results in deep and resonating thocks. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is clacky, sharp, and high-pitched. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on whether you prefer a more understated and mellow typing experience or a bolder and more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Gold Brown Pro's bottom housing is made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and clearer sound profile similar to the top housing.
Despite both switches having a polycarbonate top housing with similar sound characteristics, the difference lies in their bottom housing material. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile, emphasizing a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and resonant sound profile associated with polycarbonate, ensuring consistency in sound throughout the switch's keystrokes. This differentiation highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by mechanical switches.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. The split between the bottom and top housings allows for a nuanced tactile experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. While both the Gold Brown Pro and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring feature polycarbonate top housing, their contrasting bottom housing materials demonstrate how the choice of material can alter the overall typing sensation, showcasing the importance of material selection in mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the 55 grams of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. However, the bottom out force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is 63 grams, while the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a heavier force to fully press the key compared to the Gold Brown Pro. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Both switches provide different levels of tactile feedback, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the standard range of travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Gold Brown Pro being slightly shorter than the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The 0.2 mm difference may not be significant for most users, but for those who prefer a slightly longer travel distance, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral qualities, providing a quiet and subtle typing experience. The switch produces a thocky sound, giving a deep and satisfying thud with each keypress. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a sharp and crisp typing sound that may be more noticeable in a quieter environment. Ultimately, if you prefer a quieter and more understated typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro switch would be the better choice for you.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. The switch provides a light resistance and a subtle feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing a more pronounced and lively tactile feedback with each keypress. If you prefer a switch with a stronger and more dynamic tactile feel, the Shadow switch would be the ideal choice for you.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is best suited for those who prefer a quiet and subtle typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is perfect for those seeking a more pronounced and lively tactile feel with a sharper typing sound. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to optimize your typing experience to suit your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, you should base your decision on your preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a subtle and understated tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a more pronounced and lively tactile feedback with a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and the type of feedback you want from your mechanical keyboard.
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