TTC Silent Brown vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile. The TTC Silent Brown and the Aflion Thunder Shadow are both tactile switches, offering users a satisfying tactile bump as they type. The Silent Brown is known for its light-medium resistance and rounded tactile bump, delivering a comfortable typing experience with a discreet sound profile. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion features a pronounced tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out weight, providing a medium weight feel with a neutral sound signature. While the Silent Brown is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Thunder Shadow is categorized as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you determine the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Brown and the Aflion Thunder Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. While both switches share this feature, the differences may lie in their overall design and aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, both the Silent Brown and Thunder Shadow utilize nylon bottom housings. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing, there may be variations in how each switch feels and sounds when pressed down, as the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key.
Overall, while the TTC Silent Brown and Aflion Thunder Shadow share similarities in their housing materials, such as polycarbonate top housings for a sharp sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound experience, the overall performance and feel of the switches may vary depending on their design and other components. Both switches offer unique qualities and considerations for those looking to enhance their typing experience with different sound profiles and aesthetics.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch reveals some differences. The Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is unknown. Both switches share a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch can be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, some users prefer a heavier actuation force for a more tactile typing experience. In this case, those users may find the TTC Silent Brown to be the better option, as it offers a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and keypress weight.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Thunder Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Brown. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Thunder Shadow due to its shorter travel distance. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both options offer slight variations in key travel distance that can impact the typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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 Brown switch offers a muted experience, producing softer and quieter keystrokes compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown switch is often described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. This switch also offers a mild tactile sensation, making it approachable to most users. With a polished finish, the Silent Brown ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers an invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive keystroke. The Thunder Shadow switch aims to create an immersive typing sensation for users.
In conclusion, both the TTC Silent Brown and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Silent Brown focuses on providing a comfortable and buttery typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Thunder Shadow offers a more invigorating feel with a neutral sound signature. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preference and what qualities are most important to you when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile bump, a harmonious balance of medium weight feel, and a neutral sound signature, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for the typing feel and sound profile that best suits your needs and preferences.
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