TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics for users to consider. The Silent Frozen (V2) is praised for its extremely quiet sound profile, smooth feel, and pillowy typing experience, making it a great choice for those who prefer a subdued typing sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion is known for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light typing experience at a 55g bottom-out. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. 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
39g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches using RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Frozen (V2).
In terms of the bottom housing, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) continues to utilize polycarbonate, maintaining a sharp and crisp sound profile. This material contributes to the overall feel and sound of the switch when bottoming out a key. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing. This adds a different tactile experience when pressing down on the keys for each switch.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Silent Frozen (V2) prioritizes a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout the keypress, while the Windy Shadow offers a contrasting deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a unique sound and feel for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, catering to different preferences in terms of sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch differ in weight, with the Silent Frozen being lighter and the Windy Shadow being medium-light. The Silent Frozen has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, providing a light typing experience. In comparison, the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 55 grams, offering a slightly heavier push feel. Choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference; lighter switches are ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is 3.5 mm, which is the same as the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience with the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Silent Frozen (V2) or the Windy Shadow, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel and typing feel. In this case, both switches offer the same travel distance, making them equally suitable options for those looking for a linear switch with a 3.5 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 Frozen (V2) linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience while minimizing noise. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a mellow tone with a moderate sound profile suitable for various settings. While both switches have different sound characteristics, they both aim to provide a pleasant typing experience without being too loud.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation with reduced finger fatigue. In comparison, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. While the Silent Frozen switch focuses on providing a luxurious and refined feel, the Windy Shadow switch aims to offer a comfortable and easy typing experience for a wide range of users.
Overall, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Frozen switch excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience with a luxurious touch, while the Windy Shadow switch focuses on offering a comfortable and moderate typing sensation suitable for most users. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, both switches can deliver satisfactory results, ensuring a pleasant experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom-out force and an extremely quiet sound profile, along with a smooth and pillowy typing feel, then the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should depend on your personal preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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