KTT Mint vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mint and Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Mint is praised for its smooth linear feel, providing a satisfying poppy thockiness while typing, making it a great option for those who prefer a light and fleeting typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion offers a pronounced tactile bump, giving a medium weight feel with a neutral sound signature. While both switches have their unique strengths, such as the Mint's low-pitched and polished profile and the Thunder Shadow's invigorating tactile feedback, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
15mm spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mint and the Aflion Thunder Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a resonant sound, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, while the top housing material is the same for both switches, the Mint features a nylon bottom housing, whereas the Thunder Shadow also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing. This means that the Mint produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, while the Thunder Shadow has the benefits of a stiffer bottom housing material for a clearer and more resonant sound.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the KTT Mint and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer users a unique typing experience. The Mint's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile, which can be preferable for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, providing users with a sharper and crisper typing feedback. These contrasting qualities in bottom housing materials allow for customization based on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing on these switches.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Mint and the Aflion Thunder Shadow ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, with the Mint providing a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, and the Thunder Shadow offering a crisper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prefer a quieter typing experience with the Mint or a sharper feedback from the Thunder Shadow, each switch provides a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Mint requires 53 grams to fully press the key, while the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Mint offers a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow provides a medium-heavy typing experience, giving users a more substantial push feel for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Mint offering a lighter touch and the Thunder Shadow providing a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Mint has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm. The Mint's 4.0mm travel distance provides a more traditional key feel, while the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower key press. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Thunder Shadow with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more robust key press may opt for the Mint with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking for.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate and well-balanced sound that is suitable for various environments and users, whether beginners or experienced typists. The choice of keycaps and keyboard can also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a gentle and smooth typing sensation, with reduced friction and a refined finish contributing to a sleek feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This results in a snappy and reactive feel that can immerse users in their typing sessions.
Overall, while the KTT Mint linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a smooth and polished feel with a neutral sound profile, like the Mint switch, or a tactile and invigorating feel with the same neutral sound profile, like the Thunder Shadow switch, you can expect reliable performance and a pleasant typing experience with either option. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mint linear switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and poppy thockiness with a light and fleeting typing feel, the Mint switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump, a medium weight feel, and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow switch might be more to your liking. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile along with a mild and polished typing experience, the Mint switch would suit you well. However, if you are looking for an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, the Thunder Shadow switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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