TTC Gold Red vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as popular options with unique characteristics. The Gold Red, a linear switch, offers a smooth typing experience with a light-medium resistance, while the Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, provides a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel. The Gold Red features a snappy sound profile, adding a touch of personality without being overwhelming, while the Thunder Shadow boasts a neutral sound signature that complements its balanced feel. Each switch has its own appeal - the Gold Red for its buttery smoothness and subtle characteristics, and the Thunder Shadow for its tactile feedback and harmonious balance. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Afilon Thunder Shadow, both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Gold Red uses nylon for the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, the Thunder Shadow also employs nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both the Gold Red and Thunder Shadow switches showcases the different sound profiles each switch offers. With nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. This contrast allows users to experience a range of sound profiles depending on which part of the switch they interact with, whether it be a sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing or a rounder sound from the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and Afilon Thunder Shadow switches highlight the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. This combination of housing materials allows users to experience a range of sound profiles, from the impact of the bottom housing on bottom-out sound to the sound when releasing a key influenced by the top housing.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Gold Red also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Gold Red switch would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing strain. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch would provide a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Gold Red switch is lighter overall, making it a more suitable choice for those who prioritize a lighter typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow switch is heavier, providing a more robust and tactile feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Thunder Shadow. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred for faster response times, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper keystroke for some users. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience. However, both switches offer similar results in terms of overall performance and functionality.
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 Thunder 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 Thunder 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that is neutral, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch also provides a neutral sound signature, ensuring a balanced and calm typing environment. Both switches deliver a pleasant typing sound that is suitable for various settings.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is characterized as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. While the Gold Red switch focuses on a gentle and polished typing feel, the Thunder Shadow switch delivers a more stimulating and responsive typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a modest sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow switch offers a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance between feedback and resistance. Depending on personal preferences for typing sound and feel, either switch can cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a buttery smooth feel with a light-medium level of resistance and a modest sound profile, the Gold Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced tactile bump with a medium weight feel and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you find most enjoyable and comfortable.
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