Outemu Red vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Red, a linear switch, to the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, it becomes evident that each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Red is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer a linear feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow, crafted by the emerging brand Aflion, boasts a tactile bump that provides feedback with each keypress, offering a satisfying typing experience. While the Red is categorized as a straightforward linear switch, the Thunder Shadow falls under the invigorating and neutral categories due to its tactile feedback and medium weight feel. 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, 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. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. As a result, both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetics thanks to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Red utilizes nylon while the Aflion Thunder Shadow also features nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials. Despite the difference in brand, both the Outemu Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Outemu Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow splits the sound profile between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distribution of qualities between the two housing materials ensures that each switch offers a unique typing experience for users, with the Outemu Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both excelling in their sound profiles and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Red switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 46 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Red switch requiring 62 grams and the Thunder Shadow needing 63.5 grams. The Red switch provides a medium typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow offers a slightly heavier typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Outemu Red switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a standard travel distance, with 4 mm being more traditional and 3.5 mm offering a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the Thunder Shadow for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired responsiveness.
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 Red 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 Red linear switch is known for its quiet operation, lacking any audible tactile feedback during actuation. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that the Thunder Shadow switch has a moderate sound level that can suit various typing environments and preferences. When considering sound, it is important to take into account the overall setup including the keyboard, keycaps, and even the typing technique of the user.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Red switch is known for its smooth and consistent linear actuation without any tactile bump. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating typing experience due to its pronounced tactile feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. This results in a snappy and reactive feel while typing, creating a more immersive sensation for the user. The differing feel of these two switches caters to different typing preferences, with the Red being ideal for those who prefer a consistent and smooth keystroke, while the Thunder Shadow appeals to users seeking a more tactile typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Red linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red switch provides a quiet and linear typing experience, perfect for those who value consistency and minimal noise. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch from Aflion delivers a more tactile and invigorating typing feel, with a neutral sound profile that can adapt to various typing environments. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between Outemu Red linear switches and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a linear feel without any tactile bump, the Red switches would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a tactile bump that provides a satisfying typing experience, the Thunder Shadow switches from Aflion would be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience.
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