KTT Strawberry vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to go for, the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch, and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, both offer unique advantages. The Strawberry is renowned for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making it a great choice for those seeking a low-pitched, frictionless, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow stands out with its pronounced tactile bump, medium weight feel, and neutral sound signature, providing an invigorating yet balanced typing sensation. 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
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while both keyboards share the same top housing material, differences emerge in their bottom housings. The Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound overall.
The choice of housing material in a keyboard can significantly impact the typing experience. With the KTT Strawberry's all-polycarbonate housing construction, users can expect consistent sharp and clear sound characteristics as they type. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a unique sound profile with a blend of sharpness and depth. The differences in housing materials can also influence how users perceive the tactile feedback of each keystroke. The softer nylon bottom housing in the Thunder Shadow may offer a more cushioned and muted typing experience compared to the crisper feedback of the all-polycarbonate construction in the Strawberry.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Strawberry and the Aflion Thunder Shadow comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and resonant sound profile, the differentiation in their bottom housings - polycarbonate for the Strawberry and nylon for the Thunder Shadow - offers distinct tactile feedback and sound characteristics. Whether you prefer the consistent sharpness of the Strawberry or the deeper sound profile of the Thunder Shadow, both keyboards showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Strawberry offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow's unknown actuation force, making it a more effortless keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Thunder Shadow requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams, while the Strawberry sits at 62 grams. This means that while the Thunder Shadow may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, the Strawberry offers a smoother and lighter typing experience overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether the user values a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Thunder Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry, making it a better choice for those looking for a quicker response time. The 4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry is more traditional and may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the key. Both switches offer a different experience based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. In this case, the Thunder Shadow is shorter, and the Strawberry is longer, but both offer similar results in terms of key press feedback.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a low-pitched tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch presents a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a variety of purposes without being too loud or too quiet. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, you can expect a pleasant typing experience from either switch depending on your personal preferences and setup.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Strawberry switch is praised for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, offering an extremely smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. While the Strawberry switch focuses on smoothness and uniformity, the Thunder Shadow switch emphasizes feedback and tactile response. Both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
In conclusion, the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Strawberry switch leans towards a smoother and more effortless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow switch provides a more tactile and invigorating feel with a neutral sound signature. Depending on whether you prioritize smoothness or tactile feedback, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, comfortable typing experience with reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump for a more invigorating typing experience, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch would suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and what you value most in a keyboard switch.
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