Outemu Gold vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it becomes evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Gold is best known for its satisfying clicky sound, providing an auditory feedback that some typists find invigorating. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow, produced by the emerging switch maker Aflion, boasts a pronounced tactile bump that offers a tactile feedback without the loud clicking noise. This switch strikes a harmonious balance with a medium weight feel and a neutral sound signature. While these general pointers can help you determine which switch might suit your preferences, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will give you a better understanding of which one is the best fit for your mechanical keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Gold and Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Gold features a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and resonance.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. This difference in material between the top and bottom housings allows for a balanced typing experience, with the impact of the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Gold and Thunder Shadow offer a unique typing experience that combines the characteristics of both housing materials to create a customized sound profile that caters to the individual preferences of the user.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Gold and Aflion Thunder Shadow may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound, the subtle differences in material composition may result in varying tactile feedback and acoustics when typing. Ultimately, whether you prefer a crisper sound profile from the Gold or a rounder sound from the Thunder Shadow, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with the added bonus of customizable RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow's unknown actuation force. However, the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Gold's 60 grams. This means that the Gold switch will require less force to register a keypress but will bottom out with more force compared to the Thunder Shadow. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with some users favoring the lighter actuation force of the Gold switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Thunder Shadow for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Gold switch offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Thunder Shadow switch falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. Gamers may prefer the Thunder Shadow switch for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial feel may opt for the Gold switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing or gaming experience you are 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 Outemu Gold comes in at $3.10 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, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for providing a unique auditory experience that is crisp and satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile and clicky typing sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various environments and preferences. The sound produced by both switches will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Gold switch offers a tactile and clicky typing experience that is distinctive and enjoyable for those who prefer tactile feedback. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating feel with a pronounced tactile bump and a moderate actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation. Both switches offer a unique feel that caters to different typing styles and preferences.
Overall, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch each have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold switch excels in providing a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Thunder Shadow switch offers a more neutral sound profile and invigorating tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that you are looking for. Regardless of your choice, both switches are sure to provide a high-quality typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a clicky switch with a lower bottom out force and are looking for a medium weight feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump for a more immersive typing experience, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so consider what features are most important to you when making your selection.
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