TTC Silent Red vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Red and Aflion Thunder Shadow offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Silent Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments or shared living spaces. With a consistent feel and padded bottom-out for added comfort, the Silent Red is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion, a rising star in the switch industry, provides a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and medium weight feel. The neutral sound signature of the Thunder Shadow reflects Aflion's commitment to innovation and precision, being categorized as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own unique benefits and characteristics that appeal to different users' preferences; 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The TTC Silent Red and Aflion Thunder Shadow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal material for switches designed with lighting effects in mind.
In terms of their bottom housing material, both switches feature nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds a unique tactile experience to the switches. Despite utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, the qualities each material brings to the switches are split accordingly between the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the nylon bottom housing, and the sound when releasing a key influenced by the polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, while the Silent Red and Thunder Shadow differ in their housing materials, they both offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a clear and resonant sound, with the nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This combination of materials creates a well-rounded switch that caters to different preferences in typing sound and feel. Ultimately, whether using the Silent Red or Thunder Shadow, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with unique characteristics brought about by their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, one key difference is that the Silent Red has a specified actuation force of 45 grams, while the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is unknown. Both switches, however, share the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls in the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Thunder Shadow, especially if they prefer a tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm. Although the difference between the two is minimal, some users may notice a subtle distinction in the key feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them well-suited for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 Red linear switch is best suited for those who prefer a muted typing experience, perfect for shared spaces or office environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various settings and users. Both switches provide different sound characteristics, catering to individual preferences. However, depending on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, you may achieve similar sound results with either switch.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as offering a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and uniform feel throughout. On the contrary, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating tactile bump with a moderate weight, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation. These switches differ in their tactile feedback and overall feel, catering to those who prefer a gentle and polished typing experience or those who seek a more invigorating and responsive feel while typing.
Overall, the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow offers a balanced tactile feedback with medium weight actuation. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the diversity and innovation in the mechanical keyboard switch market.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience ideal for shared spaces or offices, the Silent Red is the way to go with its smooth and muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow offers a balanced and invigorating feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you value a silent and buttery typing experience (Silent Red) or a tactile and invigorating typing sensation (Thunder Shadow). Choose wisely based on your individual typing habits and environment.
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