TTC Honey vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Honey and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Honey is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a subdued and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow stands out for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out feel. While the Honey is characterized by its subdued and polished qualities, the Windy Shadow is known for its low-pitched and mild characteristics. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Honey and the Aflion Windy Shadow are quite similar in terms of the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches contributes to a more distinct and vibrant typing experience.
In contrast, the housing materials of the bottom housing vary between the TTC Honey and the Aflion Windy Shadow. The Honey utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the qualities of the top housing in terms of sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the bottom housing leads to a clearer and more resonant typing sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Aflion Windy Shadow are identical, their bottom housing materials differ significantly. This contrast in housing materials leads to distinct typing experiences between the two switches. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey provides a clearer and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow offers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a unique tactile feedback for users. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper tones of nylon, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to their individual typing experiences.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch. The Honey requires 42 grams of actuation force and 50 grams of bottom out force, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has a medium-light feel with an unknown actuation force and 55 grams of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Honey may be the better choice. However, if a slightly more substantial typing experience is preferred, the Windy Shadow may be more suitable. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Honey being lighter and the Windy Shadow being slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, offering users the opportunity to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The Honey switch offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Windy Shadow, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. However, for those who prefer a quicker and more responsive feel, the Windy Shadow's slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound profile, providing a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to other switches. Depending on your preference for sound, the Honey switch may be more suitable if you prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Windy Shadow switch may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and more noticeable sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and subtle, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. If you prefer a more luxurious and effortless typing feel, the Honey switch may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more approachable and gentle typing experience, the Windy Shadow switch could be the ideal option for you.
Overall, both the TTC Honey linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey switch provides a smooth and creamy feel paired with a subdued sound, while the Windy Shadow switch offers a gentle typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preferences and desired typing sensations.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force at 50 grams and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the TTC Honey may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force at 55 grams and appreciate a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force.
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