Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch, known for its medium-high level of tactility and long, two-staged spring. Typing on these switches results in deep, resonating thocks, providing a satisfying and unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen is a linear switch that stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile. Its super smooth operation and pillowy feel make typing a delight. With a categorization of 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped', the Shadow switch offers a distinct auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Buttery', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', providing a different set of 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
55g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the TTC Silent Frozen both share the use of polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings. This commonality ensures that both switches will deliver a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The polycarbonate material, known for its stiffness, contributes to a clearer and crisper sound, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched tone. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the utilization of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual experience when using these switches.
However, while both switches feature polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings, the difference lies in how the housing materials are distributed. In the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, the qualities of the polycarbonate material are evenly split between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that when pressing down on the switch, the impact and sound of the bottom housing will be more pronounced, providing a distinct bottom-out experience. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced, resulting in a unique sound profile upon key release.
Similarly, the TTC Silent Frozen also adopts the use of polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings. As a result, the sound profile and visual appeal of this switch will be comparable to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The polycarbonate material in the Silent Frozen enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound for both the bottom-out and the key release. Therefore, users can expect a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile when using this switch, along with the added benefit of being able to showcase RGB lighting due to the translucent properties of polycarbonate.
In summary, both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the TTC Silent Frozen utilize polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings, resulting in similar sound profiles and aesthetic features. The distribution of the housing materials varies, with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring emphasizing the impact and sound upon key press through its bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen offers a consistent sound experience with its polycarbonate housings. Regardless, both switches are designed to deliver a transparent and resonant sound quality, making them suitable choices for those seeking enhanced auditory feedback from their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This indicates that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke, while the Silent Frozen offers a lighter touch.
For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience or gaming session, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be more suitable due to its heavier forces. The actuation force of 55 grams provides a noticeable resistance, allowing for a satisfying push feel. Additionally, the bottom out force of 63 grams ensures a solid bottoming out sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen's lighter actuation force of 39 grams provides a lighter touch, which some users may find beneficial for extended typing sessions or a softer keystroke. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, the Silent Frozen still offers a decent amount of feedback without being overly heavy.
Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and specific typing requirements. If a lighter switch is desired for prolonged use, the TTC Silent Frozen would be a suitable option. However, those seeking a more substantial typing experience or a switch with heavier forces may find the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring more appealing. Both switches provide distinct tactile sensations, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch have different travel distances. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers who desire faster response times. It provides a more responsive feel when pressing down on the keys. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper key press, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Pressing the keys produces a sharp and snappy sound, with a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound similar to a soft knock or thud. It has a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to the Shadow switch, and it aims to minimize the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile experience. It has a high feedback intensity with a prominent and distinct tactile bump felt with every keypress. The switch's longer and dual-staged spring enhances the typing experience, giving it a more lively feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. It provides a smooth, fluid, and uniform typing experience, gliding effortlessly with each keystroke. The feathery switch requires minimal finger exertion, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. The polished switch offers reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch and the TTC Silent Frozen switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Shadow switch provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with a sharp and snappy tone, while the Silent Frozen switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound with a deep and satisfying quality. In terms of feel, the Shadow switch offers a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile experience, while the Silent Frozen switch provides a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing sensation. These switches provide distinct and contrasting experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. However, it's important to note that individual perceptions may vary, and it's always recommended to try out different switches to find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a deep sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and percussive typing experience. Additionally, with its sharp tactile bump and bouncy feel, the Shadow switches offer a highly responsive and lively typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the perfect option. These switches produce a deep and satisfying thocky sound when pressed, which is accompanied by a low-pitched and muted tone. The Silent Frozen switches offer a creamy and buttery typing experience, with a seamless and effortless keystroke. They are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and providing comfort during extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and TTC Silent Frozen switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with medium-high tactility and a clacky sound profile, the Shadow switches would suit you best. However, if a quiet sound profile and a smooth, buttery typing feel are more important to you, the Silent Frozen switches would be the ideal choice. Consider your typing preferences and priorities to make an informed decision on which switch to choose.
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