TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique advantages to users. The Silent Bluish White (V2) is praised for its medium tactile feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance for precise and comfortable typing. Additionally, these switches are designed to be quiet, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, offering a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Silent Bluish White (V2) leans towards a more subtle and polished feel, the Thunder Shadow presents an invigorating tactile experience. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Aflion Thunder Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which promotes clarity and resonance in sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. The similarities in top housing material between these two switches suggest that users can expect comparable sound profiles and tactile feedback when typing on either of them.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material of the Silent Bluish White (V2) is nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, which can enhance the typing experience for some users. Similarly, the Aflion Thunder Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, further emphasizing the focus on creating a more muted and subdued typing sound. While both switches differ in their bottom housing material from the top, they share a commitment to enhancing the overall sound profile through the use of nylon.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Aflion Thunder Shadow allows for a well-rounded typing experience. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom contributes to a balanced sound profile, with the top housing impacting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying and immersive typing experience through their unique material composition and sound characteristics.
Weight
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Bluish White (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, with an unknown actuation force. The Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a lighter typing experience, which is preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow offers a heavier push feel, appealing to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages, with the Silent Bluish White (V2) being lighter and the Thunder Shadow being heavier, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a consistent feel when typing or gaming with either switch. When comparing other factors such as actuation force or tactile feedback, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference rather than the length of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Aflion Thunder 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 Thunder 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 Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is known for its muted characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate in volume, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches aim to minimize noise while still providing a satisfying typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of sound output.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth, gentle, and refined typing sensation with a medium tactile feel. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is characterized as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive feel. While the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch aims for a more subtle and uniform typing experience, the Thunder Shadow switch offers a more dynamic and immersive feel.
Overall, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium tactile feel, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a balanced weight, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a lighter bottom-out force and a quieter switch for office or shared living spaces, the Silent Bluish White (V2) may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a pronounced tactile bump and a balanced sound profile, the Aflion Thunder Shadow could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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