Kailh Box Jade vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Jade and Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as popular options with distinct features. The Box Jade excels in delivering a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactility. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion offers a tactile bump that strikes a harmonious balance, providing a medium weight feel with a neutral sound signature. While the Box Jade is characterized as 'High-pitched', 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy', the Thunder Shadow falls into the categories of 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their unique strengths and qualities that cater to different 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Jade and the Aflion Thunder Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. However, despite both switches using the same material for the top housing, there may still be slight variations in sound and feel due to other factors such as the design and construction of the switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Box Jade and the Thunder Shadow employ nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on the keys. While both switches share the same material for the bottom housing, the unique design and composition of each switch may still factor into the overall typing experience and sound produced.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch can affect the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Kailh Box Jade and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch ensures a mix of sharp, crisp sounds with deeper, fuller tones, providing a unique typing experience for users.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 50 grams, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch does not specify the actuation force. The bottom out force for the Box Jade is 60 grams, slightly lighter than the Thunder Shadow's 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Box Jade may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's slightly heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will boil down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may lean towards the Thunder Shadow for its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press, the Box Jade may be the preferred choice due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference of 0.1 mm in travel distance between the two switches may not significantly impact the user experience, as both provide a similar level of tactility and responsiveness.
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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, which creates a sharp and crisp noise reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers a more neutral sound, neither too rich nor too bassy, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Kailh Box Jade and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are described as invigorating, offering a pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This results in a snappy and reactive feel that enhances the typing experience for users who enjoy a tactile switch. The Box Jade switch is also noted for its accented tactile sensation, falling within a medium range of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Jade and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade excels in providing a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile paired with an accented tactile sensation, ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow provides a more neutral sound signature and an invigorating tactile feel, striking a harmonious balance and showcasing Aflion's commitment to innovation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with both options delivering a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a similar level of invigorating feel, either switch would offer a comparable result in that aspect.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be a great choice for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide an invigorating typing sensation that many users enjoy. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound signature and a medium weight feel with a pronounced tactile bump, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches would be a better fit. Their harmonious balance and moderate actuation force make them suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the high-pitched and crunchy feel of the Box Jades or the neutral sound profile and pronounced tactile bump of the Thunder Shadows.
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