Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and KTT Wine Red offer unique experiences for users. The Thunder Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch known for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch from KTT offers a smooth and linear typing experience with a pillowy light feel and deep sound profile. While the Thunder Shadow is best for those who enjoy a tactile response and neutral sound signature, the Wine Red may appeal to users looking for a linear switch with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Thunder Shadow and the KTT Wine Red both utilize polycarbonate in their respective top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch is ideal for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, where the Thunder Shadow features a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Wine Red opts for another polycarbonate bottom housing for a consistently clear and resonant sound. This difference in bottom housing material showcases the varied auditory experiences that can be achieved with different housing combinations.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings to create a sharp sound profile, the Thunder Shadow and Wine Red diverge when it comes to their bottom housings. The Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing a dull and round sound profile. On the other hand, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing's clear and resonant sound, allowing for consistently sharp and crisp acoustics. This distinction in bottom housing material demonstrates how different materials can impact the overall sound experience of a switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the KTT Wine Red play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. These differences in material composition showcase how housing materials can significantly impact the overall auditory experience of a mechanical switch, allowing users to choose the sound profile that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. The actuation force of the Thunder Shadow is not specified, while the Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams. If we assume that the actuation force of the Thunder Shadow is similar to its bottom out force, then both switches would have a medium-heavy feel. When it comes to weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Wine Red for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Thunder Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Thunder Shadow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Wine Red. The Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the Wine Red's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper key press experience that some users may prefer. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the individual.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is praised for its neutral sound signature, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. When it comes to feel, the Thunder Shadow is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive typing experience. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Wine Red switch is not provided.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a balanced and neutral sound profile along with invigorating tactile feedback, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a deep and rich sound profile characterized by bass tones, the KTT Wine Red linear switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Therefore, in closing, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, you should consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump with a harmonious balance, then the Thunder Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a pillowy light type feel with a deep and rich sound profile, then the Wine Red would be the better option. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. Choose wisely based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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