TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro provides a more subdued and nuanced tactile feedback, perfect for those who prefer a gentle typing experience with minimal distraction. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion offers a more pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel, ideal for those looking for a slightly more invigorating typing experience. Both switches boast a neutral sound profile, ensuring a quiet and smooth 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, it is evident that both keyboards incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the two keyboards differ in their bottom housing material. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Thunder Shadow also employs nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes apparent that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With the Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing offering a deeper and fuller sound profile, users can expect a more muted and rounded sound when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the top housing of the switches, constructed from polycarbonate, contributes to the sound when releasing a key. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a clearer and resonant sound upon key release, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Aflion Thunder Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and crisp sound profile, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a muted and rounded bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound profile, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience. Overall, the combination of different housing materials in each keyboard results in a unique sound signature that caters to the preferences of different users.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, where the actuation force is unspecified. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Thunder Shadow is heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This means that those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics, and the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which is becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing the Gold Brown Pro would provide a bit more depth to the key press, offering a slightly more substantial feel compared to the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference for the amount of travel distance desired in a key press 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 Thunder 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 Thunder 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
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is known for its subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, providing a gentle bump that allows typists to focus on their tasks without being distracted by overly pronounced feedback. This switch also boasts a subdued sound profile, resulting in a quiet typing experience that is perfect for those who prefer a more understated tactile experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump, creating a medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out force. This switch aims to strike a harmonious balance between feedback and overall typing experience, with a neutral sound signature that complements its tactile characteristics.
In terms of sound, the Gold Brown Pro switch is described as having a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, resulting in a deep and rich sound when pressed. This switch also falls under the neutral category, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for most users. Similarly, the Thunder Shadow switch is also categorized as neutral in terms of sound, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer different tactile and sound experiences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to the preferences of the user. Whether you prefer a more understated and subtle tactile feedback like the Gold Brown Pro or a more pronounced and invigorating typing experience like the Thunder Shadow, both switches are designed to enhance your typing comfort and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy feel while typing, the Thunder Shadow could be the perfect fit. Consider how you like your switches to sound and feel, as well as your preferred level of tactile feedback, when making your decision. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your individual typing needs.
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