TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro, a linear switch, is renowned for its versatility and ease of press, providing a seamless typing experience suitable for various users. With a neutral sound signature, it is adaptable to any auditory environment, making it a solid choice for gaming, office work, or casual typing. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow, also a linear switch, stands out for its distinctive bounce from an extended spring, offering a unique typing feel. With a 55g bottom-out force, it provides a medium-light tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and qualities that make them appealing to different users. 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
N/A
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In terms of sound, both switches will have similar characteristics due to the shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Gold Red Pro utilizes nylon while the Windy Shadow also uses nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Both switches will share the qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing material, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience. While both the Gold Red Pro and the Windy Shadow have polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. The division of qualities between the top and bottom housings ensures a balanced typing experience with a mix of high-pitched clarity and deep resonance. Whether it's the Gold Red Pro or the Windy Shadow, the choice of housing materials will have a noticeable impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a light touch for triggering keystrokes, while the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Red Pro's force is not specified, whereas the Windy Shadow requires 55 grams for a medium-light bottoming out feel. For those who prefer a lighter keystroke, the Gold Red Pro would be the ideal choice, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Gold Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key compared to the Windy Shadow. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
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 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
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and satisfying typing experience. Its neutral sound signature makes it suitable for various environments. In terms of feel, it provides a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, giving users a smooth and refined feel with gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch also features a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Overall, both switches offer neutral sound profiles and a comfortable typing experience, making them suitable choices for various typing needs. Whether you choose the Gold Red Pro or the Windy Shadow, you can expect similar results in sound and feel, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value versatility, ease of press, and a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, and a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone, the Windy Shadow could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, so it's essential to choose based on what suits your typing style best.
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