KTT Ash Gray vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique qualities tailored to different preferences. The Ash Gray switch is celebrated for its combination of a light touch and crisp actuation, providing a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow boasts a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance that results in a medium weight feel. While the Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Thunder Shadow is described as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Choosing between these switches may ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. While both switches share the same top housing material, they differ in their bottom housings. The Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings impact how the switch feels and sounds when pressed or released. The top housing affects the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. This distinction allows for a nuanced typing experience, with each housing material contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Thunder Shadow ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches delivers a sharp and crisp sound profile, but the nylon bottom housing in the Ash Gray offers a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the Thunder Shadow. Whether looking for a switch with a more resonant sound profile or one with a rounder sound, both options provide unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that there are differences in weight between the two. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Ash Gray is 53 grams, which is lighter than the Thunder Shadow's 63.5 grams. This means that the Ash Gray offers a lighter typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter keystroke may find the Ash Gray more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, they both offer the same amount of tactile feedback and key press experience. This means that whether you choose the Ash Gray or Thunder Shadow, you can expect to get similar results in terms of feel and responsiveness. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a consistent travel distance, ensuring that your keystrokes are accurate and comfortable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to other factors such as the sound and actuation force, as their travel distances are identical.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they both offer a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so it is important to consider these additional elements when evaluating sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force for a snappy and reactive typing experience. While the Ash Gray switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience, the Thunder Shadow switch delivers a more immersive and engaging feeling during use.
Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Ash Gray switch combines a light touch with crisp actuation, resulting in a balanced tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor unnoticed. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch features a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel, creating a harmonious balance that showcases Aflion's commitment to innovation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Ash Gray switch offers a lighter bottom-out force and a mild, easy-to-press feel with a subtle tactile feedback that is ideal for those seeking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch provides a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a more invigorating, pronounced tactile feedback for those who prefer a more noticeable typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and usage scenarios. Ultimately, the decision between the Ash Gray and Thunder Shadow switches will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, gentler typing experience or a more tactile and engaging feel while typing.
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