TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is known for its versatility, providing a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature suitable for any environment. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, making it approachable for users seeking a tactile 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gold Red Pro and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, while the Gold Red Pro features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both switches benefit from the qualities of polycarbonate in their top housing, enhancing the overall sound profile with its clear and resonant characteristics. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder typing experience, in contrast to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. This variation in material choice for the bottom housing may affect the overall typing feel and sound output of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Red Pro and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches may come down to personal preference regarding the sound profile and typing experience desired. While both switches offer the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing for a crisper sound profile, the variation in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different feel when typing. Whether one prefers a deeper, fuller sound profile with nylon or a sharper, more resonant sound with polycarbonate throughout, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the Gold Red Pro. This difference in weight could impact the typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Red Pro for extended typing sessions, while others may gravitate towards the heavier bottom out force of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Red Pro being slightly shorter than average and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring being closer to the standard 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Gold Red Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may lead to slight variations in feel and responsiveness, catering to different preferences among users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a neutral and harmonious sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch provides a deep and thocky sound that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a more versatile and balanced sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a rich and resonant typing experience.
When considering the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth key travel and reduced friction during use. It is described as mild and subtle, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is noted for its bouncy feedback sensation, giving users a lively and responsive feel when typing. While both switches offer different tactile experiences, they are designed to enhance the overall typing comfort and efficiency for users.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch each bring a unique set of qualities to the table for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gold Red Pro excels in its neutral and adaptable sound profile, as well as its polished and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch stands out for its deep and thocky sound and bouncy tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Rest assured, both switches offer high-quality performance that can elevate your typing experience to the next level.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a versatile switch that offers a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is a great choice for you. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various settings, whether it be for gaming, office work, or leisurely typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is the way to go. Its lower actuation and bottom-out force provide a very approachable tactility that is satisfying to type on. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for switch characteristics and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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