Kailh Box White vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer unique typing experiences. The Box White is a clicky switch that provides maximum audio feedback, with a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a noticeable tactility. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow is a tactile switch from the emerging brand Aflion, offering a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance with a medium-weight feel. While the Box White is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy feel, the Thunder Shadow is categorized as invigorating and neutral. If you value loud and clicky feedback, the Box White may be the way to go, but if you prefer a balanced tactile experience, the Thunder Shadow could be your pick. 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
Yes
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 White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This translates to a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches utilize nylon, a classic choice that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that can be experienced when bottoming out the keys. This material choice contributes to the overall typing experience offered by these switches, adding a tactile and audible dimension to the keystrokes.
The split between the top and bottom housings of these switches means that each material brings its own unique qualities to different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a more nuanced and customizable typing experience, as the qualities of both materials work together to create a harmonious and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Box White requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Box White bottoms out at 60 grams. This indicates that the Thunder Shadow provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Despite the differences in force requirements, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy feel, making them suitable for those who prefer a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. So, depending on whether you prefer a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force, you can choose between the two switches to tailor your typing experience to your liking.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be significant to most users, but if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance, the Thunder Shadow may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a shorter or slightly longer travel distance in your typing or gaming experience.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched clicking experience, reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. This switch provides a clean and sharp sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a more immersive auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch boasts a neutral sound signature, striking a harmonious balance between sound and feel. This switch offers a moderate sound profile suitable for various typing environments.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished finish contributes to a sleek and satisfying feel when typing on this switch. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced tactile feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force. This switch provides a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation for the user.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White excels in providing a resonant and high-pitched clicky sound, along with a polished and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow showcases a neutral sound signature and an invigorating tactile feedback, creating a harmonious balance of sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user needs. Ultimately, by choosing either of these switches, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy maximum audio feedback with a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a smooth, polished feel, then the Box White switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced tactile bump with a harmonious balance and a neutral sound signature, along with an invigorating typing sensation, then the Thunder Shadow switch would be better suited for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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