TTC Gold Red vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer distinct experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Gold Red is a linear switch that provides a buttery smooth typing experience, accompanied by a light-medium level of resistance. It emits a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch that boasts a medium-high level of tactility. With its long, two-staged spring, it delivers deep, resonating thocks when typing. While the Gold Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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 dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches share similarities in terms of sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize the stiffness of polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This leads to a clear and resonant sound experience, making them ideal choices for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the switches differ in material. The Gold Red features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on the Gold Red switches produces a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique auditory experience.
In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. This further enhances the sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness of the switch's sound profile. While not as absorbing as nylon, the stiffer polycarbonate material contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, complementing the characteristics of the top housing.
Overall, the presence of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches offers a balanced sound experience. The qualities brought by each housing material blend together to create a satisfying typing experience. When pressing down on these switches, the impact and sound of the bottom housing are felt, while the sound when releasing a key is influenced by the properties of the top housing. This combination of materials ensures a versatile and enjoyable typing or gaming experience for users of both the TTC Gold Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a lighter typing experience overall. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a medium push feel.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red switch would be a suitable option. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for effortless keystrokes, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. With its slightly heavier forces, it provides a stronger push feel, giving a tactile feedback that some users find satisfying.
While the forces differ between these two switches, both can provide satisfactory results depending on personal preferences. Those seeking similar results to the Gold Red switch can select a lighter option with lower actuation and bottom out forces. Similarly, for a comparable typing experience to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, a switch with medium forces can be chosen. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired feel while using a keyboard.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile response to users. Whether you choose the Gold Red or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect a similar experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red for $3.28.
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
Comparing the sound quality of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we see distinct differences. The Gold Red switch is described as having a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This switch produces a sharp and percussive sound, which is crisp and bright. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, the Gold Red switch offers a more neutral sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a snappier and higher-pitched sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Red linear switch and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer contrasting experiences. The Gold Red switch is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. These qualities contribute to a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground feel. The keys are exceptionally smooth, minimising resistance when pressing and releasing them. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, on the other hand, is known for its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped characteristics. This means that it provides a high level of feedback intensity with a prominent tactile bump. The keys feel responsive, lively, and have a distinct spring-like sensation. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch offers a more approachable and refined typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a more prominent and lively tactile feedback.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch differ significantly in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound. It provides a gentle and refined feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers medium-high tactility with a clacky and high-pitched sound. It provides a sharp and crisp feel, with a lively and prominent tactile feedback. If you are looking for a switch with a light-medium level of resistance and a modest touch of personality, the Gold Red switch is a suitable choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and deep resonating thocks, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the perfect option. Both switches offer unique qualities that can be tailored to individual preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and light-medium resistance typing experience with a modest sound profile, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a buttery smooth feel and produce a thocky, low-pitched sound when pressed and released. They are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle and polished typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy a sharp and snappy sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch would be the better option. These switches feature a long, two-staged spring that provides a strong and crisp tactile bump, resulting in deep, resonating thocks when typing. They are described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, offering a highly responsive and tactile typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a smooth and light typing feel or a more tactile and responsive experience, as well as the sound profile that suits your preference.
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