TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance, making it ideal for those looking for a precise and comfortable typing experience. In addition, these switches are designed to be quiet, making them perfect for office environments or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring mechanism. With a 55g bottom-out, they offer a comfortable medium-light typing experience. These switches are best suited for those who prefer a smoother keystroke without the tactile feedback. 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
3.50 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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Aflion Windy Shadow are quite similar, as both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, which leads to clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Silent Bluish White (V2) featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Windy Shadow featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
On the one hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) with its nylon bottom housing may provide a typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a mellower typing experience. Conversely, the Windy Shadow with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings may offer a sharper and crisper sound profile overall, as polycarbonate is known for producing clearer and more resonant sound. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the more pronounced sound of the Windy Shadow or the softer, fuller sound of the Silent Bluish White (V2).
In terms of overall sound and feel, the housing materials of the Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Aflion Windy Shadow will each have a significant impact on the typing experience. With the qualities of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in the Silent Bluish White (V2), typists can expect a balance between a clear, resonant sound when releasing keys and a deeper, fuller sound when pressing them down. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout may provide a more uniform sound profile throughout the typing process, with a sharper and crisper overall sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference for sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Silent Bluish White (V2) also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Bluish White (V2) make it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, perfect for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's slightly heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing experience and force feedback.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance before the switch activates. Therefore, both switches will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel, making it easy for users to transition between different keyboards equipped with these switches. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing similar results in their tactile and linear feedback mechanisms.
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 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most typing environments. The Silent Bluish White is designed to be as quiet as possible, making it ideal for office or shared spaces, while the Windy Shadow offers a distinctive bounce and comfortable medium-light bottom-out sound.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is described with characteristics such as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth, gentle, and refined typing experience with a medium tactile feel. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is simply described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience without more pronounced characteristics. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and approachable typing feel, catering to a wide range of users with their differing tactile and linear designs.
In conclusion, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they both aim to provide a comfortable typing experience for users. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with medium tactility, the Silent Bluish White switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom-out and a more neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch would be a suitable option. Whichever switch you choose, both options provide reliable and satisfying typing experiences tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom out force, precise resistance, and a quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom-out force, neutral sound profile, and distinctive bounce from an extended spring, then the Aflion Windy Shadow switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired tactile feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience tailored to your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing habits and environment.
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