Jwick Taro vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Taro and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jwick Taro is known for its comfortable and subdued color scheme, providing a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow stands out with its pronounced tactile bump and balanced 63.5g bottom-out weight, offering a harmonious typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different typing styles and preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Jwick Taro and the Aflion Thunder Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This choice of material also allows for better RGB lighting effects, thanks to polycarbonate's translucency. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Taro uses nylon while the Thunder Shadow also opts for nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound due to its softer nature.
Despite both keyboards featuring polycarbonate top housings, the Taro and Thunder Shadow differ in their bottom housing material, which could impact the overall typing experience. The Taro's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing, which offers a similar deep and full sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly varying typing experience between the two keyboards, with the Taro potentially feeling a bit softer and the Thunder Shadow offering a slightly crisper feel.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience of a keyboard. While both the Jwick Taro and Aflion Thunder Shadow benefit from the sharp and crisp sound profile provided by their polycarbonate top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both keyboards gives them a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the mixture of materials in the top and bottom housing of a switch will impact the sound and feel when typing, with each material contributing its unique qualities to the overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that there are some differences between the two. The Taro has an actuation force of None grams, while the Thunder Shadow also has a force of None grams. This means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, both switches will provide a similar experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Taro requires 67 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than the Thunder Shadow's 63.5 grams. This difference means that the Taro will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. In terms of weight, the Taro is slightly heavier than the Thunder Shadow, which may be preferable for some users who enjoy a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the Jwick Taro and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches, we see that the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Thunder Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers for quicker response times. The Taro may provide a slightly deeper feel due to its longer travel distance, which can be preferred by those who enjoy more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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.
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 Jwick Taro and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for a variety of users and environments. They both provide a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, ensuring a balanced auditory experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jwick Taro is described as buttery and stepped, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild tactile bump. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow is noted for its invigorating feel, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Taro focusing on a seamless and effortless feel, while the Thunder Shadow prioritizes a more immersive and responsive typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the Jwick Taro and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches may differ slightly in sound and feel, they both offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a buttery and stepped keystroke or an invigorating and reactive feel, both switches are designed to enhance your typing efficiency and enjoyment. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Jwick Taro tactile switches and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and enjoy a cozy typing experience with medium-level tactility, the Taro switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a pronounced tactile bump, a harmonious balance in weight, and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow switches may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when making your decision.
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