Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two great options to consider are the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the TTC Silent Red. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch, offering a medium level of tactility. This variant of the Shadow switch has a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a very approachable tactility. Additionally, it produces a deep and thocky sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is a linear switch that prioritizes a smooth and seamless typing experience. It excels in delivering a muted sound profile, making it perfect for office or shared living space use. This switch provides a consistent and smooth feel from top to bottom, and features a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the TTC Silent Red switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of these switches.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the Silent Red utilizes nylon. The use of nylon in the Silent Red switch provides a contrasting experience, generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, providing users with unique tactile feedback.
In summary, while both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the TTC Silent Red switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. This divergence leads to variations in sound profiles, with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offering a sharper sound and the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red producing a deeper tone. Whether one prefers a crisper or fuller sound, both options cater to individual preferences for auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams, while the Silent Red requires 45 grams. Both switches provide a medium-light actuation force, although the Silent Red offers a slightly lighter touch.
In terms of bottom out force, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a force of 55 grams, whereas the Silent Red requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Silent Red a medium-heavy switch, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Considering the weight aspect, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the TTC Silent Red offer different options. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, which is suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a heavier actuation and bottom out force, appealing to individuals seeking a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.
In summary, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Silent Red. Both switches offer medium-light actuation forces, but the Silent Red provides a medium-heavy bottom out force. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a lighter typing experience with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring or a more substantial feel with the TTC Silent Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that they have different lengths. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference may seem negligible, but it can be felt when pressing down on a key.
A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, offering a balanced depth for typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Red's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it more suitable for those who prefer faster response times, particularly gamers who require quick and precise keystrokes.
It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity in recent years, especially among gamers seeking increased responsiveness. If you prioritize speed and efficiency, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red may be the better option for you. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress and find shorter distances to be too abrupt, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile. While specific information about the sound of the TTC Silent Red switch is not provided, it is described as muted, indicating a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. With these switches, you can expect a noticeable difference in the sound produced, with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch having a deeper and potentially louder sound compared to the potentially quieter and more muted sound of the TTC Silent Red switch.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and a sense of rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid typing experience. The switch offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation throughout the keystroke. Additionally, it is mentioned to have a mild feel, which implies a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. The Silent Red switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a bouncy and lively feel, while the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery and polished typing experience.
Taking into account the available information, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch and the TTC Silent Red switch present distinct subjective qualities. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a medium level of tactical feedback with its lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing an approachable tactility. It is known for its deep and thocky sound profile and a bouncy, lively feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch prioritizes a smooth and seamless typing experience with its muted sound profile. It offers a buttery and polished feel, along with a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort. While different in their specific characteristics, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience tailored to different user preferences. Depending on your preferences for tactility and sound, either of these switches can deliver satisfactory results.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep thocky sound profile, we highly recommend the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this switch offers a very approachable tactility and a bouncy feel when typing. However, if you are more concerned about noise levels and prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience, the TTC Silent Red switch is the perfect choice. With its muted sound profile and buttery-smooth key travel, it is ideal for office or shared living spaces. Additionally, the Silent Red switch offers a mild typing experience and a polished finish for maximum comfort and ease of use. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and TTC Silent Red switches depends on your priorities and preferences, whether you prioritize tactility and sound or prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience.
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