KTT Pine vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Pine linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Pine is celebrated for its medium-heavy, buttery smooth feel that promises an effortless typing experience, thanks to its polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion boasts a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance, offering a medium weight feel with a neutral sound signature. While the Pine is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', the Thunder Shadow is labeled as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths that appeal to different users, but ultimately, delving deeper into the specifics of each switch is essential to determine the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is excellent for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for illumination. However, the Thunder Shadow differs with a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound.
The distinction in housing materials between the KTT Pine and the Aflion Thunder Shadow impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. While both feature polycarbonate top housings for sharp and clear sound, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a more resonant and precise bottom-out experience, while the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. This difference reflects the unique qualities of each housing material in enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Pine and the Aflion Thunder Shadow will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound with the added bonus of compatibility with RGB lighting. However, the Thunder Shadow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound that may appeal to those seeking a more rounded typing experience. Understanding how each housing material influences sound and feel can help determine which switch is better suited to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Pine switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Pine switch is 58 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, providing a decent amount of resistance for typing. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Pine switch for longer typing sessions, while individuals looking for a more pronounced typing experience may opt for the Thunder Shadow switch for its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, providing users with the option to choose based on their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Thunder Shadow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Pine. The Pine's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a bit more depth when pressing the keys, while the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm distance offers a quicker response time. Gamers may lean towards the Thunder Shadow for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more significant depth when typing or gaming may opt for the Pine switch with its 4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the desired travel distance for a more comfortable and efficient typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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.
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 KTT Pine linear switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is known for its neutral sound signature, which is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. When comparing the two, the Pine will deliver a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Thunder Shadow will provide a more moderate and versatile sound profile, ensuring a pleasant typing experience regardless of preference.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and seamless typing sensation that is effortless and uniform. Typists can expect a silky experience when typing on these switches, as they effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is characterized as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. The Pine's buttery feel contrasts with the Thunder Shadow's more energetic and responsive touch, appealing to different preferences in typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Pine linear switch and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. While the Pine provides a bassy and buttery typing experience, the Thunder Shadow delivers a neutral sound profile and an invigorating tactile feel. Typists looking for a smoother, more uniform typing sensation may prefer the Pine, while those seeking a responsive and engaging touch may opt for the Thunder Shadow. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, providing a range of options for users in search of their ideal mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a smooth and effortless typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Pine switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump for enhanced feedback and a medium weight feel with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Thunder Shadow switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility in your typing experience.
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