TTC Gold Brown vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow. The Gold Brown is a tactile switch that is praised for its balanced feel, offering a slight bump and moderate weightiness. It emits a softer sound profile compared to most switches, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow is a linear switch that stands out for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring. At 55g bottom-out, they provide a comfortable medium-light typing sensation. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual aesthetics of the switch. Both switches also offer a similar sound profile, making them popular choices for those looking for a distinct typing experience. However, despite their similarities in top housing material, the differences in their bottom housings can create varying sound profiles when typing on the switches.
The Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a duller and rounder sound when compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Despite the difference in bottom housing materials, both switches maintain a consistent typing experience and sound profile, making them reliable choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for quality switches.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow may differ in their bottom housing materials, the use of polycarbonate in their top housings creates a similar sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. This consistency in sound quality makes both switches popular choices for those seeking a specific typing experience. Whether using the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound or the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Windy Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown is heavier at 63 grams while the Windy Shadow is lighter at 55 grams. This means that the Gold Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, while the Windy Shadow offers a lighter touch for a gentler typing feel. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, but the Gold Brown is on the heavier side while the Windy Shadow is more on the lighter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance, which could provide a bit more depth and satisfying feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer the shorter, more responsive feel of the Windy Shadow or the slightly deeper keystrokes of the Gold Brown. Both switches offer different advantages, so it depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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 Windy 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 Windy 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a neutral profile that is softer and more rounded compared to most switches, creating a pleasing typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch produces a low-pitched sound with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is also considered neutral in its actuation force requirement. While the Gold Brown is more balanced and moderate in sound, the Windy Shadow offers a unique low-pitched tone that may appeal to those looking for a different auditory experience.
In terms of feel, both the Gold Brown and Windy Shadow switches are described as offering a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. The Gold Brown switch is highlighted by its buttery and accented qualities, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation with a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. Similarly, the Windy Shadow switch falls under the mild category, offering a comfortable typing experience with qualities that cater to a safe, middle-ground zone. Both switches are polished, resulting in reduced friction, smooth key travel, and an overall sleek typing experience that enhances user comfort and efficiency.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Brown and Aflion Windy Shadow switches have their distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a balanced and comfortable typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a softer, rounded sound profile with a slight bump like the Gold Brown or a low-pitched, mellow tone with a distinctive bounce like the Windy Shadow, you can expect similar results in terms of a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience that prioritizes user comfort and satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing characteristics that best suit your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, your choice should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a balanced and slightly weighty typing experience with a satisfying bump and soft sound profile, then the Gold Brown switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a distinctive bounce and neutral sound profile, then the Windy Shadow switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preference for key feel and sound profile when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Brown and Windy Shadow switches comes down to your personal typing preferences.
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