Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a tactile mechanical keyboard switch, you might consider the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility, making it a great option for those who prefer a noticeable tactile feedback without being too intense. It also features a deep and thocky sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White provides a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, giving users a precise and comfortable typing experience. One of its standout features is its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for office or shared living spaces. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the TTC Silent Bluish White both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice creates a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
However, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, the Silent Bluish White switch features a nylon bottom housing. This difference in material leads to variations in the sound profile of the two switches. Typing on the Silent Bluish White with its nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to the overall sharp and crisp sound profile.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel. For both the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Silent Bluish White, the qualities of the bottom housing have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, despite their different bottom housings, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of the sound profile when pressing down on a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires a force of 55 grams, while the Silent Bluish White requires 50 grams. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force.
In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the Silent Bluish White switch may appeal to users who prefer to type for extended periods of time, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, with its slightly heavier actuation force, may be more appealing to those who seek a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Overall, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, both switches provide a tactile typing experience. Their differences in force may offer users the option to choose the level of resistance that suits their preferences. So, if one is looking for similar results in terms of force, either switch can provide a satisfactory experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Silent Bluish White switch a more shallow option compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch.
The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. The shorter distance means that the key can be pressed and released more quickly. So if you prioritize a responsive and quick keystroke, the Silent Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice.
However, some individuals may find that shorter travel distances feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down the keys, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch with its longer travel distance would be a better option. This longer travel distance provides a more satisfying keystroke that may be preferred by those who value a sense of depth and solidity in their typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. It's worth noting that both switches provide a tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience, but the difference in travel distance can contribute to a different feel when pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as having a deep and thocky sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you will experience a satisfyingly deep and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch is described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. These switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy. This means that the keys have a lively feel and provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. When you press the keys, you will experience a rebound effect. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They have a gentle resistance, making them comfortable to use for most people. The steps in the switch provide a more mild tactile feedback compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. The switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, both switches offer a medium level of tactility and resistance when pressed. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel, while the Silent Bluish White switch offers a muted sound and a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a quieter sound and a smooth and fluid typing experience with a gentle resistance, the Silent Bluish White switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a lower actuation and bottom-out force, we highly recommend the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. These switches offer a very approachable tactility and a deep and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force and a satisfying level of resistance, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch would be a great choice. These switches provide a precise and comfortable typing experience with a medium level of tactility, while also being designed to be as quiet as possible. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for tactility, sound, and bottom-out force.
Mentioned in this article
