Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the TTC Venus stand out as unique contenders, each offering distinct advantages for different preferences. The Thunder Shadow, known for its tactile feedback, provides a medium weight feel with a pronounced bump at 63.5g bottom-out, delivering a satisfying typing experience with a neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Venus from TTC boasts a smooth and linear feel with a "Q-texture" that adds a unique matte sensation, making each keystroke feel buttery and engaging. While the Thunder Shadow leans towards a more invigorating typing experience, the Venus offers a gummy and frictionless feel that is both rapid and effortless. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the TTC Venus's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer unique lighting options with their translucent housings, but the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing may provide a clearer and more resonant sound due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Venus's POM top housing offers a different auditory experience with its deeper and more muted sound profile.
On the bottom housing side, the Thunder Shadow's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, reflecting the stiffness of the material. While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their bottom housings, the nylon bottom of the Thunder Shadow creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom of the Venus, which gives a clearer and resonant sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Thunder Shadow and Venus offer different sound profiles with their unique housing materials, both switches benefit from the qualities of their respective top and bottom housings. Whether opting for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, more muted sound with POM, users can enjoy a variety of typing experiences based on their housing material preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it's clear that they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Thunder Shadow has no specified actuation force, but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light. This means that the Thunder Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Venus offers a lighter keystroke feel. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can impact typing endurance and overall typing experience. Those who prefer longer typing sessions may opt for the lighter Venus switch, while those who seek a more significant push feel may prefer the heavier Thunder Shadow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Venus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Thunder Shadow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to it, the Venus may be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a slightly shorter and more responsive feel, the Thunder Shadow could be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the individual user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch boasts a neutral sound signature, providing a moderate and versatile auditory experience suitable for various settings and users. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound profile, creating a soothing and quiet typing environment. Both switches provide distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Thunder Shadow delivering a more balanced sound and the Venus offering a softer and more subdued tone.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced tactile feedback and a firm actuation force for a responsive and immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch is known for its buttery and frictionless feel, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. Each switch offers a unique tactile and tactileless sensation, with the Thunder Shadow emphasizing feedback and actuation force, while the Venus focuses on seamless and gentle key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch each bring their own strengths to the table. The Thunder Shadow excels in providing a balanced and versatile sound signature coupled with invigorating tactile feedback, ideal for users seeking a tactile typing experience with a moderate sound profile. On the other hand, the Venus stands out with its low-pitched and muted sound, buttery and frictionless feel, offering a smooth and quiet typing experience for those who prefer a softer touch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying typing experience based on their personal preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Thunder Shadow and Venus switches will depend on whether one prioritizes tactile feedback and balanced sound or prefers a smoother, quieter typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a pronounced tactile bump, and a neutral sound profile, then the Thunder Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force, a unique "matte" sensation, and a low-pitched, muted sound profile, then the Venus could be the perfect match for your typing needs. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Thunder Shadow and Venus switches will depend on what typing experience you are seeking.
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