TTC Gold Pink vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
On one hand, the Gold Pink switches are renowned for their 37g actuation force, making them incredibly lightweight and effortlessly responsive. These switches are ideal for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing or gaming experience. Additionally, the Gold Pinks offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound, providing a lively and enjoyable typing experience.
On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are perfect for individuals in search of a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility. The long, two-staged spring in these switches delivers a pronounced tactile feedback, producing resonating thocks while typing. They are categorized as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing an enhanced sense of precision and responsiveness.
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
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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 TTC Gold Pink and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when compared to other plastics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing for users who want to enhance their keyboard's visual appeal. Whether it's the Gold Pink or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, users can expect a clear and resonant sound when typing on a switch with a polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Gold Pink features a nylon material while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring continues to utilize polycarbonate. Nylon offers a different typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. This difference in material affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, users of the Gold Pink can expect a deeper and fuller typing experience, while users of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will experience a sharper sound when bottoming out keys.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Pink and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches share a similar sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housings. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. However, their bottom housings differ, with the Gold Pink utilizing nylon and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring continuing to use polycarbonate. As a result, users can expect a deeper and fuller typing experience from the Gold Pink, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing properties, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will deliver a sharper bottom-out sound.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Pink has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly heavier 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Gold Pink has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a medium 63 grams of force to press all the way down.
The difference in actuation force between the two switches means that the Gold Pink will require a lighter touch for each keystroke, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue can be minimized. On the other hand, the higher actuation force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a more substantial push feel, offering a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile sensation.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches exhibit a similar pattern. The Gold Pink remains lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is slightly heavier at 63 grams. This means that regardless of the initial actuation force, if a user presses the keys all the way down, they will experience a relatively similar resistance.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Pink switch, allowing them to type for longer periods without experiencing much strain. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may find the slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring to be more suitable.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the personal preference of the user regarding the desired typing experience, whether they prioritize a lighter touch or a more forceful, tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
In terms of sound, the Gold Pink switch is known for its clacky sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as having a sharp and crisp sound profile. The Gold Pink switch produces a satisfying level of feedback, resulting in a clacky sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers deep, resonating thocks when typing, creating a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as providing a light and lively typing experience. It is often referred to as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, or polished. These descriptors indicate a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Gold Pink switch has a gentle resistance, making it approachable to most users. It also has a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming.
On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, or stepped. These qualities indicate a high level of tactility and feedback intensity. The switch has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke. It is also super responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, providing a lively and dynamic typing experience.
In summary, the subjective qualities of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink switch delivers a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharp and crisp sound with strong tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences, one may be more suitable than the other. However, both switches provide a satisfying level of feedback and are designed to enhance your typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is the ideal choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams and an actuation force of 37 grams, these switches are perfect for rapid typing or gaming. They offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound, providing a lively and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches offer a slightly heavier feel. The long, two-staged spring provides a deep and resonating thock sound when typing. Additionally, these switches are known for their sharp tactility and snappy feel, offering a more responsive and lively typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch depends on your preference for typing feel and sound.
Mentioned in this article
