KTT Hyacinth vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, aimed at providing a balanced tactile feedback and auditory experience while ensuring user comfort. Its single-stage elongated spring offers a consistent force curve, diverging from the dual-stage springs found in many switches. Categorized as neutral, silky, subtle, the Hyacinth is a popular choice for those seeking a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. With a bottom-out force of 55g, these switches are comfortably medium-light and categorized as low-pitched, mild, neutral. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, 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
56g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Hyacinth and the Aflion Windy Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting to showcase the effects. However, while they share similarities in terms of material and resulting sound profile, each switch may have a unique design or aesthetic based on how the polycarbonate is implemented in the top housing.
In contrast, both switches also utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the typing experience. Despite using the same material for their bottom housings, the KTT Hyacinth and Aflion Windy Shadow may still have distinct characteristics based on how the nylon is utilized in their construction, potentially impacting the overall feel and sound of the switches.
It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material (polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom) will contribute differently to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with a balance of sharpness and depth in sound profile, depending on the specific design choices of the KTT Hyacinth and the Aflion Windy Shadow.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Hyacinth requiring 56 grams and the Windy Shadow 55 grams. This makes both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of force required for typing. Some users may appreciate the slightly lighter actuation force of the Hyacinth for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Windy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced typing experience with a focus on medium-light actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. When comparing and contrasting the two switches based on their travel distance, it can be noted that users will experience a consistent keypress feel in terms of distance traveled when using either of these switches. Both switches offer a short travel distance, allowing for quick and precise typing or gaming experiences. The similar travel distance of 3.5 mm in both switches ensures that users will get equally satisfying results in terms of keypress feedback and performance.
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 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.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various uses, making it a versatile option for both beginners and experienced users. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This difference in sound can cater to different preferences depending on the user's preference for sound during typing sessions.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Hyacinth is known for providing a silky and subtle typing experience. The smoothness of the switch enhances the overall typing feel while minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys, creating a comfortable typing experience. Conversely, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This mild feel serves as a safe middle-ground zone suitable for most users looking for a comfortable typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Hyacinth excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a silky typing experience, the Windy Shadow stands out for its low-pitched sound and mild typing feel. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a comfortable typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of performance and comfort when using either of these linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and subtle typing experience with a 3.5mm travel distance and a consistent force curve, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a mild typing experience with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch with a 55g bottom-out force could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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