United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

KTT Kang White vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow

An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Kang White, a linear switch, and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Kang White is renowned for its captivating typing sound and unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material, making it a top choice for those who prefer a low-pitched and neutral typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion offers a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance, providing a medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out. Its invigorating tactile feedback combined with a neutral sound signature showcases Aflion's commitment to innovation. Each switch has its own unique strengths and appeal, but to truly determine the best switch for your needs and preferences, let's delve a bit deeper beyond these generalities.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

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

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

No

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

20mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow are very similar, as they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to both keyboards. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Kang White features a nylon construction while the Thunder Shadow also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound.

Despite the difference in bottom housing material, the overall sound experience between the Kang White and Thunder Shadow may not be drastically different. The split between the qualities of each housing material in the top and bottom housings still allows for a harmonious sound profile. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing's qualities will come into play when releasing the key, influencing the sound produced. This balance ensures that both switches offer a well-rounded auditory experience.

Overall, the use of polycarbonate for the top housing in both the KTT Kang White and Aflion Thunder Shadow contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, with the added benefit of showcasing RGB lighting. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound experience, enhancing the overall typing sensation. While there may be slight differences in sound due to the choice of bottom housing material, the overall impact on the user experience is likely to be minimal, as both switches offer a balanced combination of qualities from their respective housing materials.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force differ between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch. The Kang White has a lighter actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow's unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Kang White is 58 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Kang White, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to individuals with varying preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Kang White offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on a key compared to the Thunder Shadow. Gamers may prefer the Thunder Shadow for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, but those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Kang White. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Thunder Shadow may feel slightly more abrupt to some users due to its shorter travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance.

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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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 Kang White linear switch stands out with its low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature that complements its pronounced tactile bump, catering to those looking for a balanced typing experience without any disruptive noise. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound that won't distract those around you, making them suitable for various settings.

Turning to the feel of the switches, the Kang White linear switch is praised for its smoothness due to its self-lubricating material, providing an unparalleled typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of the Kang White switch. On the contrary, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is described as invigorating, offering a firm yet snappy typing feel with its pronounced feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a responsive switch that enhances the overall typing sensation.

In conclusion, the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table. While the Kang White excels in providing a low-pitched and smooth typing sound, the Thunder Shadow showcases a balanced tactile experience with its pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches offer a high level of quality and innovation, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are looking for a smooth and dazzling typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, the KTT Kang White linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, along with a neutral sound signature and an invigorating typing feel, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your typing style, preferences, and environment when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best match for your mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.

Mentioned in this article