Bsun Olive vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Olive and the Aflion Thunder Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique advantages for users seeking a tactile typing experience. The BSUN Olive switches are praised for their all-POM housings that deliver a resonant, deep sound, along with a pronounced tactile feedback that is satisfyingly sharp and distinctive. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadows boast a medium weight feel with a pronounced tactile bump, striking a harmonious balance and featuring a neutral sound signature. While the Olive may be preferred for its accented and sharp feedback, the Thunder Shadow may be more appealing for its invigorating feel and overall balance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Bsun Olive and Aflion Thunder Shadow differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles. The Olive's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. These distinct sound profiles cater to different preferences, with the POM housing offering a more subdued typing experience and the polycarbonate and nylon housings providing a crisper and more resonant sound.
In addition to their sound profiles, the housing materials of the Olive and Thunder Shadow also differ in terms of their aesthetics and functionality. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the Thunder Shadow. On the other hand, nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile in the Thunder Shadow's bottom housing. While both housing materials offer unique benefits, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound quality and visual appeal.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and Aflion Thunder Shadow both contribute to the overall typing experience of the switches. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a combination of qualities, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deeper and muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate and nylon, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both fall within the medium-heavy range. The actuation force of the Olive is 45 grams, while the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is unspecified. However, the bottom out force of the Olive is 65 grams, slightly heavier than the Thunder Shadow's 63.5 grams. This means that the Thunder Shadow is slightly lighter when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Thunder Shadow may be the better option, as it offers a slightly lighter bottom out force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Olive might be the preferred choice with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user. However, if you prefer a slightly longer keypress, the Thunder Shadow may feel slightly more substantial compared to the Olive. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable for those looking for a more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
Overall, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is distinguished by its resonant and deep sound profile, along with a pronounced tactile feedback that offers a sharp bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is characterized by a neutral sound signature and a balanced tactile bump, providing a medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out. Both switches offer an invigorating typing sensation, with the Olive featuring an accented and sharp tactile feel, while the Thunder Shadow boasts a similar invigorating tactile feedback. In terms of sound, the Olive delivers a unique and deep tonality, whereas the Thunder Shadow offers a neutral sound suitable for various environments. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with users likely to achieve similar results in terms of feel and sound depending on personal preference and setup variables.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a resonant, deep sound with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, the Olive switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you seek a harmonious balance with a medium weight feel and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow switch might be more suitable for you. Both switches offer an invigorating typing sensation, but the Olive is accented with a sharp and snappy feel, while the Thunder Shadow provides a more neutral and balanced experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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