TTC Gold Brown vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Both switches offer a tactile experience, but they have distinct qualities that make them unique. The Gold Brown is often praised for its balanced nature, providing a slight but satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. It has a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. It offers a lower actuation and bottom-out force, resulting in a very approachable tactility. Additionally, it features a deep and thocky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, share similar characteristics. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create 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. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Gold Brown features a nylon material while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring uses polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, known for its softness, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring aligns with its top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile.
This difference in bottom housings translates to how the switches feel when pressed. The qualities of the bottom housing are more evident when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the deeper and fuller bottom-out experience of the Gold Brown with its nylon bottom housing or the sharper and crisper release sound of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, which features polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilize polycarbonate in their top housings for similar sound profiles and compatibility with RGB lighting, their bottom housings differ in material and subsequently affect the overall sound experience. The Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for the bottom-out and release sound profiles, with the housing materials playing a significant role in the resulting auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that there are slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams of force, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires a lighter force of 55 grams. Thus, one can conclude that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Gold Brown. However, it is important to note that both switches provide a similar typing experience due to their relatively medium forces, ensuring a satisfying tactile response when pressed.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring consistent feedback and responsiveness.
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) 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 switch is known for its balanced and slightly softer sound profile. It offers a satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using it at home or work. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, on the other hand, does not have a specific description of its sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, while the Gold Brown switch provides a rounded and softer sound, the sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch remains unknown.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and approachable tactile experience, thanks to its balanced characteristics. Its smooth and fluid keystroke, often described as buttery, provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Gold Brown switch can also be categorized as an accented switch, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being scratchy or hypersensitive. Additionally, the switch's polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer their own unique qualities. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and softer sound profile with a satisfying bump, along with a mild and approachable tactile experience characterized by smoothness, moderate tactility, and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its bouncy feedback and rebound, creating a lively typing experience. While the sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is unknown, both switches offer medium actuation and bottom-out forces, making them suitable for most users. So, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are seeking a balanced tactile switch with a moderate weightiness and a slight, satisfying bump, the TTC Gold Brown is the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a rounded and softer sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use them at home or work. With its mild, buttery, accented, and polished feel, typing on the Gold Brown switches offers a smooth and refined experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a lower actuation and bottom-out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. These switches offer a very approachable tactility, providing a deep and thocky sound profile. With its bouncy feel, pressing keys on the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches gives you a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, offering a lively and rebounding typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring depends on the specific tactile experience you prefer. Consider factors such as the weightiness and bump of the switch, the sound profile, and the feel you desire. Both switches offer their unique benefits, so make sure to assess your preferences and needs before making a decision.
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