Outemu Brown vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its subtle tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for typists who prefer a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow, also a tactile switch, stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more feedback. While the Outemu Brown is categorized as a smooth switch, the Thunder Shadow is categorized as invigorating and neutral. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Brown Tactile

Aflion Thunder Shadow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Brown and Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in their nylon bottom housings. While the Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing also provides a similar typing experience with its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

In terms of sound profile, both the Outemu Brown and Aflion Thunder Shadow share similar characteristics with their polycarbonate top housings. The sharpness, higher pitch, and clarity of the sound are consistent across both switches due to the properties of polycarbonate. However, the differences come into play with their nylon bottom housings. The Brown's bottom housing contributes to a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel, while the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics.

Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Outemu Brown and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches provides a unique typing experience for users. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and crisp sound profile, the variation in their nylon bottom housings adds depth to the overall typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the fuller sound of the Brown's nylon bottom housing or the impact and roundness of the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing.

Weight

The Outemu Brown tactile switch has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also categorizing it as medium-heavy. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of weight, with the Thunder Shadow being slightly lighter in bottom out force. The actuation force in the Thunder Shadow is unknown, but given its similar bottom out force to the Outemu Brown, it is likely to provide a comparable typing feel. Some users may prefer the slightly lighter bottom out force of the Thunder Shadow for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Outemu Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding typing feel and weight.

Travel distance

The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Brown switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional typing experience with a bit more depth. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch has a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer a tactile feedback experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and typing feel. Ultimately, the Outemu Brown switch can provide a slightly more substantial keystroke feel, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers a slightly quicker response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch is known for being relatively quiet, providing a subtle typing experience that is not too disruptive in quiet environments. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses without being too loud or too quiet. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound, with the Thunder Shadow possibly edging out in versatility due to its neutral profile.

Moving on to feel, the Outemu Brown switch is often praised for its smooth tactile feedback, providing a satisfying response without being too intense. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating, offering a more pronounced tactile bump and a snappy, reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. For those who prefer a more intense tactile experience, the Thunder Shadow may be the preferred choice over the Brown switch.

Overall, while the Outemu Brown switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches have their own strengths and can cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience with a smooth tactile feel, the Brown switch may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a neutral sound profile, the Thunder Shadow switch from Aflion might be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance, and the choice between them will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.

Conclusion

Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Brown tactile switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and a more traditional switch with a tactile bump but with no standout features, then the Outemu Brown may be the better option for you. However, if you are looking for a medium weight switch with a pronounced tactile bump, neutral sound profile, and invigorating feel that offers a more immersive typing experience, then the Aflion Thunder Shadow may be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it is important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Thunder Shadow Tactile

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

Learn more