TTC Honey vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offer two distinct experiences for users. The Honey is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a frictionless typing experience. In addition, the deep and pleasant sound profile adds to the overall satisfaction. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this variant of the Aflion switch offers a satisfying feel without being too overwhelming. Both switches also boast a deep and favorable sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are very similar. Both switches use polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the use of polycarbonate in the housing also adds a translucent touch, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, whether it is the Honey or the Shadow (Ink), users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
However, despite the similarities in the housing materials, the individual qualities of the bottom and top housings play a significant role in the overall experience of using these switches. When pressing down on either the Honey or the Shadow (Ink), the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent. The bottom housing directly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, adding to the tactile experience of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released, creating a satisfying tone and enhancing the overall auditory experience of using the switch.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are the same, their distribution between the top and bottom housings ensures a distinct tactile and auditory experience. Whether it is the Honey or the Shadow (Ink), users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the use of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate housing makes it perfect for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. However, the specific impacts of the bottom and top housings on the switch's sound and feel set them apart, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and the top housing contributing to the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly. The Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, meaning less force is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch requires 55 grams. This indicates that the Shadow (Ink) switch offers a slightly more substantial typing feel when fully pressed. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch differ slightly. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. These variances may not seem significant, but they can play a role in your typing or gaming experience. The Honey with its shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm is favored by gamers who seek faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes, providing a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, with its longer travel distance of 4 mm, offers a deeper and more pronounced key press. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more satisfying and substantial typing experience. Both switches provide distinct advantages depending on personal preference, with the Honey offering speed and responsiveness, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a deeper and more profound keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch is best known for its deep and pleasant sound profile with a subdued quality. These switches produce a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Honey switch is described as having a smooth and creamy typing experience. These switches offer a silky sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Honey switch is also referred to as frictionless, meaning it minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid travel. Additionally, the switch is described as buttery and subtle, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation with a gentle resistance. It is also worth mentioning that the Honey switch is polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is described as bouncy. This tactile switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Unfortunately, there is no further information available regarding the feel of this particular switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch is favored for its smooth and creamy feel, as well as its deep and pleasant sound profile. While the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is recommended for its medium level of tactility and lower actuation and bottom-out forces, there is not much information available regarding its sound or further details about its feel. If you are looking for a similar sound and feel to the Honey switch, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch may provide a comparable typing experience given its medium level of tactility. However, it is important to consider other factors such as board and keycap choices that can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a lower actuation and bottom-out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. This switch provides a very approachable tactility and features a deep and thocky sound profile. Consider your desired typing experience and the level of feedback you prefer, whether it be a smooth and buttery sensation or a bouncy and elastic feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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