KTT Grapefruit vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique characteristics worth considering. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch known for its soft and light feel, as well as a distinctive "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with a bounce from its extended spring, making it comfortably medium-light at a 55g bottom-out. Both switches are categorized as low-pitched and neutral, but the Grapefruit leans more towards a polished feel while the Windy Shadow offers a mild touch. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Both switches offer similar acoustic benefits with their polycarbonate top housings, providing an excellent sound experience for users who prefer a more distinct typing sound.
However, the differences lie in the bottom housings of the Grapefruit and Windy Shadow. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast demonstrates how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a switch. While both switches offer unique acoustic characteristics, the choice between a polycarbonate or nylon bottom housing can cater to different preferences for sound and typing feel.
In terms of typing experience, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Grapefruit and Windy Shadow split the qualities of each material between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials ensures that users can enjoy a well-rounded typing experience that takes into account the specific qualities brought by both polycarbonate and nylon. Overall, the combination of these housing materials in the Grapefruit and Windy Shadow provides users with a unique and customizable typing experience based on their preferred sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we see that the Grapefruit has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Grapefruit at 53 grams and the Windy Shadow at 55 grams, both falling in the medium-light category. The lighter actuation force of the Grapefruit may be preferred by those who enjoy typing for extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow might appeal to users who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Windy Shadow a popular choice for gaming. However, some individuals may find the shorter distance to be too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Grapefruit switch for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 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, both the KTT Grapefruit and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches have a low-pitched and neutral profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various purposes. The sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Moving on to the feel, the Grapefruit switch is known for its polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience, suitable for those looking for a gentle and approachable feel while typing. When considering all the available information, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound profile, making them versatile options for different preferences. However, if a smoother typing experience is preferred, the Grapefruit switch may be the better choice due to its polished finish. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Grapefruit and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the following guidelines: You may want to choose the Grapefruit switch if you are looking for a switch with a soft and light feel, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches provide a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, you may prefer the Windy Shadow switch if you are interested in a switch with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
