KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. With a sound profile categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', it is a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch stands out with its distinctive bounce from an extended spring and a bottom-out weight of 55g, offering a comfortable medium-light feel. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', these switches are favored by users who enjoy a bit more tactile feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Aflion Windy Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for switches with RGB lighting. Despite the similarities in top housing material, the two switches may have different characteristics in terms of sound and feel due to their different bottom housing materials.
The Sea Salt Lemon and the Windy Shadow both have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The characteristics of the bottom housing material play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, particularly during bottom-out actions when typing. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, differences in the top housing material may still impact the overall typing experience.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the role of each housing material in the overall switch design can help users appreciate the nuances in sound and feel between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Aflion Windy Shadow, despite their similar top housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we find that the Sea Salt Lemon requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Windy Shadow, which is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Lemon is 53 grams, slightly lighter than the Windy Shadow's 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of force required. Those who prefer a softer touch may find the Sea Salt Lemon more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who favor a slightly stronger push may lean towards the Windy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we can see that the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Windy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches provide different user experiences, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a more traditional feel and the Windy Shadow catering to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Windy Shadow switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of environments. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar auditory experience while typing. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable and comfortable for most users. This means that whether you opt for the Sea Salt Lemon or the Windy Shadow, you can anticipate a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. In conclusion, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Windy Shadow linear switches offer comparable sound and feel qualities, ensuring that you will achieve similar results in terms of typing experience no matter which switch you ultimately choose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, your decision may come down to subtle differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force at 53 grams and enjoy a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a 55 gram bottom out force and appreciate a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, while still enjoying a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the switch for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a mild typing experience suitable for most users, so it may come down to personal preference and the specific qualities you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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