Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique benefits for users seeking a tactile typing experience. The Thunder Shadow, from the up-and-coming brand Aflion, provides a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel of 63.5g, delivering an invigorating yet balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed for the discerning typist, offering a delicate tactility perfect for extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature removable light columns, allowing for customizable RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup. While the Thunder Shadow leans towards a more neutral sound signature, the White Lotus switches are characterized by their low-pitched and subtle feel. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths and qualities to consider for your typing needs. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Durock White Lotus both feature polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, creating a resonant sound that is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel to the typing experience. While both switches may have a slightly different feel due to the blend used in the White Lotus, they both provide a satisfying sound profile that is crisp and resonant.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Thunder Shadow and the White Lotus feature nylon material, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer in comparison to other plastics, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. This material brings a more muted and satisfying typing experience, enhancing the overall feel of the switch. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, both switches offer a similar sound profile that is deep and full-bodied, allowing for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Durock White Lotus may have slight variations in their housing materials, they both offer a high-quality typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The Thunder Shadow's use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a sharper sound, while the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a premium feel. Additionally, both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing, creating a deep and full sound profile. Whether you choose the Thunder Shadow or the White Lotus, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a variety of sound profiles to suit your preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is not disclosed. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams and an actuation force of 46 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In terms of weight, the White Lotus is lighter overall compared to the Thunder Shadow. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the White Lotus for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Thunder Shadow with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches offer varying levels of tactile feedback for users to choose from based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of standard travel distances, the Thunder Shadow offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for fast response times may prefer the Thunder Shadow, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the White Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 features a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound, creating a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Thunder Shadow being more versatile in various environments while the White Lotus offers a unique and calming sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Thunder Shadow offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus provides an easy-to-press feel that requires minimal force, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. Additionally, the White Lotus has a mild and subtle typing experience, offering a gentler feel compared to the more invigorating feedback of the Thunder Shadow. Both switches provide different tactile sensations, catering to users with varying preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and Durock White Lotus tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Thunder Shadow provides a balanced and versatile sound profile with an invigorating typing feel, suitable for users looking for a medium weight switch with a neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the White Lotus presents a unique low-pitched sound along with an easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for those seeking a light tactile typing experience with the added bonus of RGB lighting customization. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that aligns with their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump with a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-light bottom out force, a delicate tactility, and the option for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style, desired typing experience, and whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a lighter touch. Choose wisely and enjoy the satisfying typing experience that suits your needs best.
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