Outemu Silent White vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White, a smooth linear switch, and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch with a pronounced bump, come to mind. The Silent White is known for its silent operation and neutral feel, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion offers a tactile feedback that gives a satisfying and invigorating typing sensation. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects, as it allows the lighting to shine through the housing for a visually appealing look.
While both switches share polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Silent White utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. Similarly, the Thunder Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both switches plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the typing experience. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings allow users to feel the impact of each material during key presses and releases. Whether opting for the Outemu Silent White or the Aflion Thunder Shadow, users can expect a unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials that contribute to a distinctive sound profile and overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is 45 grams, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch does not have a specified actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Silent White is 60 grams, slightly lighter than the 63.5 grams of the Thunder Shadow. This means that the Silent White requires less force to trigger a keystroke but slightly more force when fully pressed compared to the Thunder Shadow. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent White, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, the Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm. While the difference between the two may seem minimal, it can impact the typing experience. The Silent White's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times, while the Thunder Shadow's slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style. Despite the variance in distance, both switches offer a tactile feedback experience for users looking to enhance their typing experience.
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 Silent White 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
The Outemu Silent White switch is best known for its lack of audible click, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch from Aflion is gaining recognition for its tactile bump that provides a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. When it comes to sound, the Silent White switch remains silent, while the Thunder Shadow switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have a distinct descriptor provided, but it is known for its linear feel, lacking the tactile bump present in the Thunder Shadow switch. The Aflion Thunder Shadow switch, on the other hand, is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy feel that enhances the typing experience. This tactile feedback can be quite appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
Taking all factors into consideration, the Outemu Silent White switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offer different typing experiences. The Silent White switch provides a quiet and smooth linear feel, while the Thunder Shadow switch offers a tactile bump for those who prefer a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions. However, both switches are quality options that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a smooth linear action and a focus on silence, the Outemu Silent White switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, pronounced feedback, and a more invigorating typing experience, then the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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