KTT Peach vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the KTT Peach and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile. The Peach switch boasts a syrupy smooth feel and a deep thocky sound, while the Windy Shadow provides a distinctive bounce from its extended spring and a comfortable 55g bottom-out. Both switches are categorized as mild and neutral, making them suitable for a wide range of typing 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
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Peach and the Aflion Windy Shadow have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in clear housings allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the two switches differ in their bottom housing material. The Peach has a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. The Windy Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a rounder sound profile.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing material, both the KTT Peach and the Aflion Windy Shadow provide a unique typing experience. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches allows users to feel the qualities of each material when pressing down on a key. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities ensures a well-rounded typing experience for users of both switches, even with the differences in their housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Peach and the Aflion Windy Shadow may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. Both switches offer a sharp, crisp sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing, but diverge in their bottom housing material, with the Peach providing a deeper sound and the Windy Shadow offering a rounder sound. Whether users prioritize a sharper sound profile or a fuller sound profile, both switches deliver a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches contribute to their distinct sound profiles and typing feel, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The KTT Peach linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams but an unknown actuation force. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, which is suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Peach switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Windy Shadow, which may appeal to those looking for a slightly softer touch. However, the Windy Shadow has a slightly higher bottom out force, providing a bit more resistance for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Windy Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Peach. The Peach, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional keypress feel, while the Windy Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a slightly faster response time, which is preferred by gamers. Both switches offer a good balance between travel distance and responsiveness, but the Peach may provide a bit more depth to the keypress compared to the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Windy 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 Windy Shadow for $3.91.
The KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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
When it comes to sound, both the KTT Peach and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while a neutral profile signifies a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various uses. This similarity suggests that users can expect a similar auditory experience from either switch, with the specific sound also influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the KTT Peach and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches are described as offering a mild typing experience. A mild switch provides a gentler typing sensation compared to more pronounced options, ensuring that the sound and feel remain approachable for most users. This common trait suggests that regardless of the chosen switch, users can anticipate a comfortable typing experience that falls within a safe and middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the KTT Peach and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches share similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, offering users a low-pitched, neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. While each switch may have its unique characteristics, such as the deep thocky sound of the Peach or the distinctive bounce of the Windy Shadow, users can expect comparable results in terms of overall sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference and specific preferences in tactile feedback and sound profile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the KTT Peach linear switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you are looking for in a switch. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile, the Peach switch with its 53g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring and a slightly higher 55g bottom out force, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch may be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as a mild typing experience, making them suitable for various uses. Overall, the decision between the two switches will depend on what specific attributes you value most in a keyboard switch.
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