KTT Purple Click vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options include the KTT Purple Click and the Aflion Windy Shadow. The Purple Click is celebrated for its high-pitched, satisfying click that is light yet tactile, striking a perfect balance. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion offers a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, making it comfortably medium-light at a 55g bottom-out. While the Purple Click is known for being crunchy, invigorating, and resonant, the Windy Shadow is characterized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their own unique qualities and appeal 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Purple Click and the Aflion Windy Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings allows for a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. This similarity in housing material suggests that both switches will offer a similar sound experience when typing.
On the other hand, the Purple Click features a nylon bottom housing, while the Windy Shadow also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches may lead to slightly different typing experiences, with the bottom-out sound and feel being more impacted by the bottom housing material.
The distinction between the top and bottom housings in these switches highlights how each housing material contributes to different aspects of the typing experience. While the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both switches, affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings ensures a well-rounded typing experience that takes into account the impact of each housing material.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch differ in terms of actuation force. The KTT Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Aflion Windy Shadow does not have a specified actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light in terms of pressure required for a keystroke to register. This means that while the KTT Purple Click provides a consistent and relatively lighter typing experience, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a similar bottom out force but potentially varied actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether one prefers a specific actuation force or prioritizes a consistent bottom out force for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that the Purple Click has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Windy Shadow's 3.5 mm. This means that the Purple Click will offer a slightly deeper key press experience than the Windy Shadow. For those who prefer a more traditional key press feel, the Purple Click may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Windy Shadow may be more suitable. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Purple Click providing a longer key press and the Windy Shadow offering a slightly shorter key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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.
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 Purple Click switch offers a crunchy and resonant typing experience, characterized by a satisfying high-pitched click and clean, sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. The choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference and the desired auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, the Purple Click switch offers an invigorating and stepped typing sensation, with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This creates a snappy and reactive feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In comparison, the Windy Shadow switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a gentler feedback compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Purple Click switch is best suited for those seeking a clicky switch with a satisfying high-pitched sound and an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch is ideal for individuals looking for a linear switch with a more neutral sound profile and a gentle typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Purple Click clicky switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a high-pitched, satisfying click with light yet tactile keystrokes, the Purple Click is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce and comfortable medium-light bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow is a great choice. The Purple Click offers an invigorating and stepped typing experience, while the Windy Shadow provides a mild and approachable feel. Ultimately, selecting between these switches depends on whether you prioritize the clicky sound and tactility of the Purple Click or the neutral sound and bounce of the Windy Shadow.
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