KTT Ash Gray vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it becomes evident that each offers unique features for a different typing experience. The Ash Gray is best known for its tactile response, providing a light touch with crisp actuation that delivers a blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming, categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion offers a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light feel at a 55g bottom-out and categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the user's preferences - whether they prefer a tactile response or a smoother linear feel. 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
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
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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate results in a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a clear and bright typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually pleasing element to the overall design of the keyboard.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housings. The Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Windy Shadow. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. This contrast in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of the keyboard.
When considering the overall performance of the KTT Ash Gray and Aflion Windy Shadow, it is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray is lighter in both aspects. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, also placing it in the medium-light category. While the actuation force of the Windy Shadow is unspecified, the bottom out force is slightly heavier than that of the Ash Gray. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ash Gray would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. However, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their medium-light actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is identical, both measuring at 3.5mm. This means that users pressing down on either switch will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback and actuation point despite their different switch types, making them suitable for various typing preferences. With their matching travel distances, users can expect similar typing experiences and performance from both the Ash Gray and Windy Shadow switches.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched tone that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound experience. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them versatile options for different preferences and settings.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a typing experience that is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Aflion Windy Shadow switch, on the other hand, is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a comfortable and responsive feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. While the Ash Gray switch provides a tactile response with a light touch and crisp actuation, the Windy Shadow switch presents a distinctive bounce and medium-light bottom-out force. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you get similar results in terms of quality and performance. It's important to consider all available information and factors such as keycaps and keypress volume when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a distinct tactile response and a neutral sound profile, the Ash Gray may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a gentle typing experience, the Windy Shadow could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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