TTC Silent Brown vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer users unique typing experiences to cater to their preferences. The Silent Brown tactile switch is praised for its comfortable typing feel, light-medium resistance, and satisfying rounded tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy a buttery, mild, and muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch boasts a neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a 55g bottom-out for a comfortably medium-light feel. Those who prefer a low-pitched and mild typing experience may find the Windy Shadow to be more suited to their liking. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to both switches. The similarities in their top housing material suggest that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Silent Brown utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and roundness. Despite the difference in their top housing materials, the similarities in their bottom housing materials indicate that users can expect a comparable sound experience when bottoming out keys on both switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches showcases a thoughtful balance of material choices to provide users with a unique typing experience. While the top and bottom housing materials play different roles in dictating sound profiles, users can enjoy consistent qualities in both switches that prioritize clarity and resonance in their typing experience. Whether selecting the TTC Silent Brown or the Aflion Windy Shadow, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound depth, crispness, and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Brown requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Silent Brown is also heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Windy Shadow switch provides a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Silent Brown switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Windy Shadow, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Brown. Both switches offer different weights, allowing users to choose based on their preference for typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Choosing between the two will come down to personal preference - if you prefer a slightly deeper press, the Silent Brown may be the better option for you, while if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker feedback, the Windy Shadow may be the way to go. Regardless, both switches offer a relatively similar experience when it comes to travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of environments. Both switches aim to minimize noise, with the Silent Brown focusing on a muted experience and the Windy Shadow offering a more neutral sound. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the specific environment where the keyboard will be used.
When it comes to feel, both the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer a mild typing experience. The Silent Brown switch is described as buttery and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction. Similarly, the Windy Shadow switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience without any harsh or abrupt sensations, making them suitable for prolonged use without causing fatigue.
Overall, both the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Silent Brown provides a muted sound profile and a buttery, polished feel, while the Windy Shadow brings a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild typing experience. Choosing between the two would come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches offer similar levels of comfort and performance. It is recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one better suits individual preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a comfortable typing experience and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a distinctive bounce and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience.
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