TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who prefer a subtle and nuanced feedback, allowing for a quiet and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a medium level of tactility with a bouncy feel and a deep, thocky sound profile. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is known for its bouncy feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your preference for either a subtle and understated typing experience or a 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetics of the switches. However, while both switches have similar top housings, the Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate used in the bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.
The differences in bottom housing materials between the Gold Brown Pro and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This means that when typing on the Gold Brown Pro, users can expect a softer and more muted typing experience compared to the crisper sound produced by the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall feel and acoustics of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, the combination of materials used in the housing of a mechanical keyboard switch plays a significant role in determining its sound profile and typing experience. While both the Gold Brown Pro and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound, the variation in bottom housing materials results in distinct differences in sound and feel. Whether one prefers the deeper sound of nylon or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, understanding the impact of different housing materials is essential in selecting the right switch for a personalized typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Brown Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, but both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its slightly longer travel distance. In general, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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) 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, creating a deep and mellow tone that is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as having a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is known for its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively feel. While the Gold Brown Pro switch focuses on a more nuanced and refined tactile feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a bouncier and more responsive typing experience. Again, the decision between the two will depend on individual preference for typing feel.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. It ultimately comes down to personal preference whether you prefer a more subtle and refined typing experience with the Gold Brown Pro, or a bouncier and more responsive feel with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a quality tactile experience that will enhance your typing performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who values a subtle tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you are looking for before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what you prioritize in a keyboard switch - whether it be a quiet and understated typing experience or a more tactile and audibly satisfying one.
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