Jerrzi Poseidon vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Poseidon and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Jerrzi Poseidon, a linear switch, and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch. The Poseidon is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a favorite among gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the Poseidon offers a straightforward and reliable typing experience, the Thunder Shadow delivers a tactile feedback that some users find more engaging. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Poseidon and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer distinct qualities that impact the sound and feel of the switches. The Poseidon's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can be attributed to the properties of the materials, with POM being softer and more absorbent, leading to a mellower sound, and polycarbonate being stiffer, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while POM offers a unique sound experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Poseidon's POM housing brings a deeper and muted sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. Nylon's softer properties allow for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and more rounded sound compared to the POM material. When it comes to typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, the choice between POM and nylon bottom housing can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users of the Jerrzi Poseidon and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches.
Overall, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing for the top and between POM and nylon for the bottom will provide users with distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Poseidon and Thunder Shadow differ in their choice of materials, both aim to create a unique sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer a level of customization in housing materials that can cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Poseidon has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Poseidon does not provide information, whereas the Thunder Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Poseidon would be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Thunder Shadow with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both offer relatively short travel distances compared to more traditional switches. The Poseidon has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Thunder Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. The Poseidon may offer a slightly quicker feel due to its shorter travel distance, while the Thunder Shadow provides a tad more depth to each key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Poseidon switch does not have a specific reputation or characteristic that stands out. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that the switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for various uses without being too loud or too quiet. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jerrzi Poseidon does not have a specific feel that is widely recognized. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is known for providing an invigorating typing experience. This is characterized by pronounced tactile feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel. Overall, this creates a typing sensation that is engaging and responsive, enhancing the user's overall experience with the switch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer different subjective qualities to users. While the Poseidon switch does not have standout characteristics in terms of sound and feel, the Thunder Shadow switch is praised for its neutral sound profile and invigorating tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can expect a different typing experience with each switch. However, if similar results are desired, it is worth noting that both switches offer a balanced medium-weight feel which may lead to comparable overall performance.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering which switch to choose between the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, you should opt for the Poseidon if you prefer a switch with a bottom-out force of none and a focus on smoothness. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow would be the ideal choice for you if you appreciate a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams along with a tactile bump that provides a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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