TTC Gold Silver vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it becomes apparent that each offers unique advantages for different preferences. The Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness and shortened travel, resulting in a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. Its smooth journey from press to bottoming out, accompanied by a resonant sound signature, creates a seamless blend of speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion offers a pronounced tactile bump with a medium weight feel and a neutral sound signature, showcasing a harmonious balance of tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Both switches have their strengths, but deciding between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal choices for switches if you plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal. However, while both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Gold Silver utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow also uses nylon for its bottom housing, leading to a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the similar qualities of the polycarbonate top housings on the TTC Gold Silver and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, their nylon bottom housings provide a contrast in sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound while absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This difference in bottom housing material can affect the overall typing experience, with the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. In contrast, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
While both the Gold Silver and the Thunder Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a clear and resonant sound profile, their choice of nylon for the bottom housings sets them apart in terms of sound quality. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a different sound experience compared to switches with different bottom housing materials. The combination of different housing materials in these switches showcases how the choice of materials can impact the overall typing feel and sound output, making each switch unique in its own way. Ultimately, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Aflion Thunder Shadow play a crucial role in defining the typing experience for users based on their preference for sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Gold Silver switch also has an unknown bottom out force, whereas the Thunder Shadow switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Gold Silver switch for its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier push, the Thunder Shadow switch's higher bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, both switches provide a similar tactile experience and feedback when pressed. The travel distance for both switches is relatively short, allowing for quick and efficient typing or gaming. Overall, whether you choose the Gold Silver or the Thunder Shadow, you can expect a consistent experience in terms of travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver for $2.90.
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 Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. The sound is described as neutral, making it suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers a neutral sound profile as well, ensuring a moderate and versatile auditory experience. Both switches are designed to cater to a broad range of users, ensuring that the sound produced is pleasant and suitable for different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The switch has a mild and subtle feel, providing a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is characterized as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. This tactile switch provides a more immersive typing experience, with a moderate to firm actuation force that adds a sense of dynamism to each keystroke.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in providing a rapid and precise typing experience with a harmonious sound signature, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a balanced tactile bump and medium weight feel. Both switches are designed to cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a smooth and fluid typing experience, and a pronounced sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight feel, a pronounced tactile bump for feedback, and a neutral sound profile, the Aflion Thunder Shadow could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features and characteristics align best with your typing style and preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.
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