KTT Cream Yellow vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile options can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Cream Yellow, a linear switch, is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback while typing. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, offers a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance that provides a medium weight feel. The neutral sound signature of the Thunder Shadow complements its tactile characteristics, appealing to those seeking a more balanced typing experience. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
In terms of housing materials, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings results in a clear and resonant sound due to the stiffer nature of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. With similar top housings, users can expect comparable sound profiles and performance from both switches.
On the other hand, the Cream Yellow and Thunder Shadow differ in their bottom housing materials. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. Similarly, the Thunder Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, providing the same qualities of a softer plastic material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the top housing may impact the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow results in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While the top housings provide a sharper and crisper sound profile, the bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. This combination of housing materials ensures a well-rounded typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch differ in weight. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice, while the Thunder Shadow would provide a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preferences.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 3.5 mm. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness with both switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is identical, making them equally suited for those who prefer a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its sharp and snappy clacky sound, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive audio feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cream Yellow switch is designed to offer a bouncy typing experience, giving users a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation with each keypress. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow tactile switch is described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel that enhances the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Cream Yellow and Thunder Shadow switches offer different sound profiles and typing experiences, they both excel in providing unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky and bouncy feel of the Cream Yellow or the neutral and invigorating feel of the Thunder Shadow, both switches are designed to meet the needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you value a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump with a moderate weight feel and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow could be more suitable. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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