KTT Hyacinth vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as noteworthy options. The Hyacinth, a linear switch, is praised for its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a comfortable typing experience without the harsh bottoming-out sensation commonly associated with longer-stem switches. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, impresses with its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, achieving a harmonious balance with a 63.5g bottom-out force. While the Hyacinth offers a subtle and silky typing experience, the Thunder Shadow provides an invigorating feel with a neutral sound signature. Each switch has its own strengths and reasons for consideration, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics can help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the KTT Hyacinth and the Aflion Thunder Shadow are quite similar, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. This means that both the Hyacinth and the Thunder Shadow will likely produce similar sound profiles and have a visually appealing aesthetic when it comes to lighting effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth utilizes nylon while the Thunder Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches suggests that the manufacturers prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback when designing their switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Hyacinth and the Aflion Thunder Shadow creates a balanced typing experience that offers a mix of crispness and depth in sound. The presence of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing adds a fuller sound and tactile feedback to the typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a deeper sound, both switches provide a versatile option for keyboard enthusiasts to choose from.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique benefits to users based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Hyacinth leaning towards the lighter side and the Thunder Shadow towards the heavier side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches provide a consistent feeling when pressed down on a key. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feedback and overall typing experience. Despite their equal travel distances, the two switches differ in their actuation and feel, with the Hyacinth offering a smooth linear actuation and the Thunder Shadow providing a tactile bump for added feedback. Overall, both switches offer a comparable travel distance, but the Hyacinth is preferred for its linear feel, while the Thunder Shadow appeals to those who enjoy tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for various environments and preferences, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard used and the keycaps attached.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is noted for its silky typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel that enhances typing comfort. Additionally, it provides a subtle resistance that is gentle yet not excessively light, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating, providing a pronounced tactile bump and a moderate to firm actuation force. This gives it a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation that some users may find stimulating.
In conclusion, both the KTT Hyacinth and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they both have a neutral sound profile, the Hyacinth provides a silky and subtle typing experience, focusing on smoothness and comfort. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow switch offers an invigorating tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing sensation. Ultimately, the best choice between the two would depend on personal preference for either a smoother, quieter typing experience with the Hyacinth or a more tactile and reactive typing feel with the Thunder Shadow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, your choice should be based on your preference for a smoother typing experience or a more pronounced tactile feedback. If you value a silky and subtle typing feel with a lighter bottom-out force, the Hyacinth switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an invigorating typing sensation with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a more pronounced tactile bump, then the Thunder Shadow switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience tailored to your liking.
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