TTC Gold Brown vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced nature, providing a slight and satisfying bump without being too heavy. They have a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, offering a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are perfect for those seeking a higher level of tactility. With their long, two-staged spring, they offer a deep and resonating thock sound when typing. These switches are categorized as clacky, sharp, and bouncy, adding a unique touch to the keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share some similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for similar performance in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches offer comparable results.
However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Gold Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, providing a similar sharp and crisp sound profile as its top housing. This ensures consistency in sound quality throughout the entire typing experience.
When considering how the different housing materials impact the overall feel of the switch, it becomes clear that the bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you depress the key, the characteristics of the nylon or polycarbonate bottom housing will be more noticeable. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when you release the key. Therefore, depending on your preference for bottom-out and release sound, you can choose between the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing.
To summarize, both the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches exhibit similar sound profiles and aesthetic qualities due to their polycarbonate top housing. However, they offer contrasting experiences in terms of bottom housing materials. The Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile of its top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your preference for the bottom-out and release sound, as well as the overall typing experience you desire.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we find that they have the same actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches require a force of 55 grams to trigger a keystroke and have a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing them in the medium range. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the force required for key activation and the level of resistance when pressing down fully on the keys. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch depends on individual preferences. Some users might appreciate the lighter actuation force of these switches, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for switches with heavier forces. In either case, both the TTC Gold Brown and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer the same level of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have equal travel distances of 4 mm. When pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This ensures a consistent tactile feedback and typing experience regardless of the switch chosen.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 switch offers a balanced and rounded sound profile. It is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. It has a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving off a crisp and bright tone. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, while the Gold Brown switch provides a more neutral sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch delivers a more distinct and percussive sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience. It provides a gentle and approachable tactile feedback, with a smooth and fluid keystroke. These switches fall into the category of accented switches, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharp and snappy tactile bump. It has a strong and crisp feedback intensity, allowing each keypress to be distinctly felt. These switches are also considered accented and snappy, providing a lively and responsive typing experience with a spring-like rebound. They can be described as stepped switches, allowing for some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a milder and more buttery typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a sharper and more intense tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced sound with a slight bump and a moderate weightiness. It offers a mild and buttery typing experience, providing a safe middle-ground zone and a polished finish. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound with deep and resonating thocks. It offers a sharp and snappy tactile feedback with a spring-like rebound, providing a more intense and responsive typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to achieve your desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, to choose between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
If you prefer a balanced typing experience with a moderate weightiness and a slight, satisfying bump, the Gold Brown switch would be a great choice for you. Its rounded sound profile is generally softer than most switches, making it suitable for various environments. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is described as having a mild, buttery, accented, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a higher level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be perfect. With its long, two-staged spring, this switch offers a medium-high level of tactility, providing a deep, resonating thock when typing. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as having a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel, making each keystroke feel more alive and responsive.
Consider the sound profiles as well. If you prefer a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, the Gold Brown switch is a good choice. However, if you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound when typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be more to your liking.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Whether you value balance and a softer sound or higher tactility and a more lively sound, both the TTC Gold Brown and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have unique qualities to offer.
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