KTT Purple Star vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Star and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Purple Star switch is praised for its all-POM construction, which provides a smooth and comfortable typing feel with a light 45g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow stands out with its distinctive bounce from the extended spring and a medium-light 55g bottom-out force. While the Purple Star switch offers a low-pitched and easy-to-press typing experience, the Windy Shadow switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and weaknesses, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and Aflion Windy Shadow differ significantly in terms of sound profile and overall feel. The Purple Star features a POM top and bottom housing, while the Windy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. POM is known for creating a deeper, more muted sound, while polycarbonate produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Additionally, nylon in the bottom housing of the Windy Shadow contributes to a fuller and more rounded sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star.
In terms of aesthetics, the top housing materials of the Purple Star and Windy Shadow also vary. While the Purple Star's POM top housing provides a unique sound profile, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. This can add an extra visual element to the keyboard and enhance the overall user experience. Additionally, the impact of the top housing material on the sound when releasing a key also differs between the two switches, with POM creating a more muted sound compared to the crisper sound produced by polycarbonate.
Despite their differences, both the KTT Purple Star and Aflion Windy Shadow aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through their unique housing materials. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound profile created by POM and nylon in the Purple Star, or the sharper and crisper sound profile produced by polycarbonate in the Windy Shadow, each switch offers a distinct typing experience tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's sound and feel preferences, as well as any specific aesthetic considerations such as the desire for RGB lighting.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch differ in terms of weight. The Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Windy Shadow switch has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a slightly more substantial typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Purple Star would be the better option, while the Windy Shadow is better suited for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance for both switches is the distance that the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the feeling and responsiveness of the keys when typing or gaming with either switch. Whether you choose the KTT Purple Star or the Aflion Windy Shadow, you can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a 3.5 mm travel distance.
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 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
When it comes to sound, both the KTT Purple Star and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches are known for their low-pitched profiles, which provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The neutral sound signature of the Purple Star offers a pleasant typing experience, while the Windy Shadow's neutral sound profile combined with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring adds a unique touch. Ultimately, both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you use them at home or work. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Purple Star and Windy Shadow switches offer a mild typing experience. The Purple Star's easy-to-press design provides gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Similarly, the Windy Shadow's mild characteristics offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches fall within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel, providing a pleasant typing experience for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, both the KTT Purple Star and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer users a smooth and comfortable typing experience. While the Purple Star boasts a very light 45g bottom-out, ideal for light typists, the Windy Shadow provides a slightly higher 55g bottom-out that falls into the medium-light category. Both switches have low-pitched sound profiles and mild, easy-to-press feels, making them versatile options for a variety of users and typing preferences. Ultimately, if you enjoy a smooth linear switch with a neutral sound profile and gentle typing experience, you can expect similar results from either the Purple Star or Windy Shadow switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a light typist looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Purple Star linear switch with its 50g bottom-out force would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a distinctive bounce and a neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch with its 55g bottom-out force could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully before making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
