Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences for users. The Thunder Shadow, known for its tactile bump and medium weight feel, provides a balance that is both invigorating and neutral. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, enhanced by the use of POK in the stem and bottom housing. This switch offers a buttery, creamy sensation with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches have their own merits, offering distinct typing experiences to suit different 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Thunder Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend of materials for its top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both top housings offer unique sound profiles, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate is more likely to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their setup.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Thunder Shadow opts for a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness and durability compared to materials like POM and Nylon. The POK material offers a more clacky and durable switch experience, showcasing the importance of bottom housing material on the overall typing feel and sound of the switch.
While the Aflion Thunder Shadow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ in their choice of housing materials, both switches showcase the importance of top and bottom housing materials in determining the sound profile and feel of a switch. Whether utilizing polycarbonate for a sharper sound or a proprietary blend like KTT for a clacky sound signature, the top housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. Similarly, the bottom housing, whether nylon for a fuller sound or POK for smoothness and durability, contributes to the overall tactile feedback and longevity of the switch. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the typing experience and should be considered when selecting a switch for personal preference.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams, making the Thunder Shadow the heavier option in this aspect. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the actuation force of the Thunder Shadow is unknown. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Thunder Shadow. When considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. The uniformity in travel distance between the two switches ensures consistency in typing or gaming experiences for users, regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches deliver a high-pitched and clacky sound, giving them a unique auditory presence that sets them apart from the competition. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences, catering to different preferences depending on the user's auditory sensitivities.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Thunder Shadow provides an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer a buttery and creamy typing sensation, thanks to the smooth and creamy feel created by the POK material used in both the stem and bottom housing. This difference in feel allows users to choose between a snappy and reactive typing experience or a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation.
Overall, both the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique and appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound profile and typing experience, users can choose between the balanced and medium-weight feel of the Thunder Shadow or the smooth and creamy sensation of the Vanilla Ice Cream. With these switches, users can expect a satisfying typing experience that meets their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the bottom out force you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy feel with 63.5 grams of bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump, the Thunder Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with 48 grams of bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more up your alley. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to further narrow down your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on your personal typing style and preferences.
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