Everglide Sunset Yellow vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Sunset Yellow and Aflion Thunder Shadow offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Sunset Yellow is a linear switch that delivers a rich and bassy sound profile, making typing a truly indulgent experience. With a medium weight and unique Ly stem, these switches provide a distinct gliding feel and highly responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion is a tactile switch that boasts a pronounced tactile bump while maintaining a harmonious balance. With a neutral sound signature and medium weight feel, these switches exemplify Aflion's dedication to fine-tuned innovation. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing choices, 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
51g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sunset Yellow and Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique housing materials for mechanical switches. The Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing, which provides a pleasing and somewhat muted sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
While the top housing materials of the Sunset Yellow and Thunder Shadow switches offer contrasting sound profiles, their bottom housing materials also contribute to differing typing experiences. The POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow creates a deeper and more muted sound when bottoming out, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow produces a duller and rounder sound. This showcases how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch, providing users with a variety of options based on their preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Sunset Yellow and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. While the Sunset Yellow's POM housing materials create a unique sound profile, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate and nylon housings offer a sharper and fuller sound. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a deeper and muted sound or a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, users can experiment with different housing materials to find the perfect switch for their individual typing needs.
Weight
The Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their weight, with the Sunset Yellow being more suitable for longer typing sessions due to its lighter actuation force, while the Thunder Shadow provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch may prefer the Sunset Yellow, while those seeking a heavier typing experience may lean towards the Thunder Shadow.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Thunder Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow. For those who prefer a bit more depth and tactile feedback when typing or gaming, the Thunder Shadow may be the better option. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide a quicker response time for those who prefer a more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer unique advantages, so choosing the shorter or longer travel distance will provide similar results depending on individual preferences.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. With a smooth and buttery feel, minimal resistance, and refined finish, typing on these switches is like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that can cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Overall, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer unique and appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a bassy and thocky sound profile with a creamy and frictionless typing experience or a neutral sound signature with an invigorating tactile feel, both switches have something to offer. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel that offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, the Sunset Yellow may be the choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force and unique Ly stem design provide a smooth and indulgent typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an invigorating tactile feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow could be the better option. With a slightly heavier bottom out force, this switch offers a balanced feel and a harmonious typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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