KTT Purple Star vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Star and the Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Purple Star is praised for its smooth, buttery typing experience and light 45g bottom-out, making it perfect for those who prefer a gentle touch while typing. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion offers a pronounced tactile bump and a slightly heavier 63.5g bottom-out, providing a more invigorating typing experience. While the Purple Star is categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', 'Easy-to-press', the Thunder Shadow is labeled as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Both switches feature a neutral sound signature, but the decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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 KTT Purple Star and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer distinct differences in terms of sound profile and overall feel. The Purple Star's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is more commonly associated with clear housings, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the difference in materials between the top and bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether POM or nylon, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. This means that the feel of pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the properties of the bottom housing material. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the properties of the top housing material, whether POM or polycarbonate.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Aflion Thunder Shadow play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feel of each switch. The use of POM in the Purple Star creates a more pleasing and muted sound, while polycarbonate in the Thunder Shadow offers a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help in making an informed choice based on personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that the Purple Star is lighter in both categories. The Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is unknown and it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Purple Star would be the better option. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Thunder Shadow would be more suitable. Both switches offer different levels of force for a unique typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. With both switches having equal travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and typing experience. It is worth noting that a 3.5 mm travel distance is considered to be standard for mechanical switches, providing a balanced tactile feedback without being too shallow or too deep. Therefore, whether using the KTT Purple Star or the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch, users can enjoy a consistent typing experience with no significant differences in travel distance.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is soothing to the ears. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, which is versatile and suitable for a wide range of users and environments. While the Purple Star offers a more specific sound quality, the Thunder Shadow's neutral sound complements its overall balance and tactile feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Purple Star linear switch is known for its mild and easy-to-press characteristics, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The light 45g bottom-out of the Purple Star contributes to effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump and moderate 63.5g bottom-out force, creating a snappy and reactive feel that immerses users in their typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the KTT Purple Star and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they both excel in providing a quality typing experience. The Purple Star is best suited for those who prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, while the Thunder Shadow appeals to users who enjoy a more tactile and invigorating typing feel with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Purple Star linear switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with easy-to-press keys and a low-pitched sound, the Purple Star may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile bump with a neutral sound profile and an invigorating typing sensation, the Thunder Shadow might be the more suitable choice. Consider whether you prefer light or medium-heavy bottom-out force, as well as the specific sound and feel characteristics that align with your typing preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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