KTT Matcha vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing two prominent mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it comes down to tactile versus linear experiences. The KTT Matcha is renowned for its tactile feedback, offering a satisfying and snappy typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a neutral sound profile and a distinct bounce from its extended spring, creating a comfortable medium-light typing feel. While the Matcha is known for its stepped and clacky feel, the Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched and mild typing experience. Ultimately, determining the best switch for you depends on your personal preferences. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Matcha and Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to enhance the sharp and clear sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, their differing bottom housings contribute to unique sound profiles. The more rigid polycarbonate bottom housing in the Matcha augments the overall sharpness and clarity of the sound produced, emphasizing the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This leads to a rounder sound quality compared to the Matcha's sharper profile. The combination of different housing materials highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housings in contributing to the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Matcha and Windy Shadow plays a significant role in determining their sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housings in both switches create a sharp and crisp sound, with the added benefit of being ideal for RGB lighting due to their translucency. However, the difference in bottom housings between the switches results in distinct sound qualities - the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the overall sharpness, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound profiles can provide a more informed decision for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts when choosing between switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Matcha is lighter in both categories. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown and has a bottom out force of 55 grams. Generally, a lighter actuation force is preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Matcha being lighter overall and the Windy Shadow leaning towards the medium-light range. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we can see that the Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Windy Shadow has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. The Matcha falls into the more traditional category of 4.0mm travel distance, offering a slightly deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's 3.5mm distance is on the shallower end, providing a quicker response time that some gamers may prefer. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, with the Matcha offering a longer, more substantial press, and the Windy Shadow providing a quicker, more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 Matcha tactile switch is known for its clacky and crisp sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to the Matcha. Depending on personal preference, users may opt for the Matcha for a sharper sound or the Windy Shadow for a more subtle and neutral tone.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is characterized by its stepped, snappy, and accented tactile feedback, offering a lively typing experience with a comfortable tactility. It provides a feathery and subtle feel, requiring little exertion and offering a gentle resistance for reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Users may prefer the Matcha for its more pronounced tactile feedback or the Windy Shadow for a gentler typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch excels in providing a sharp and snappy sound profile paired with a lively and comfortable tactile feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a neutral and low-pitched sound with a mild and approachable typing feel, suitable for those seeking a more subtle and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring users can achieve their desired typing experience based on their sound and feel preferences. If a user enjoys the tactile feedback of the Matcha, they may find a similar level of satisfaction in the Windy Shadow's mild and gentle typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force, a stepped and snappy tactile feel, and a clacky sound profile, then the Matcha may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force, a mild linear feel, and a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the Windy Shadow could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
Mentioned in this article
