Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, is praised for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel of 63.5g, providing a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Xinhai, a linear switch, stands out for its unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, offering a combination of sophistication and precision. If you are looking for an invigorating and neutral typing experience, the Thunder Shadow may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a bouncy, clacky, and creamy feel, the Xinhai could be more suited for your 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the HMX Xinhai, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also favored for its translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. As a result, both the Thunder Shadow and Xinhai keyboards are likely to produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Thunder Shadow uses nylon, while the Xinhai also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is praised for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, complementing the characteristics of the top polycarbonate housing. Despite the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing, each keyboard may still have slight variations in sound due to differences in design and construction.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in keyboards like the Thunder Shadow and Xinhai plays a significant role in the typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in these keyboards allows for a balance of sharpness and depth in sound production. While the top housing influences the sound upon key release, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether it is the stiffer polycarbonate or the softer nylon, each material brings its own unique characteristics to enhance the overall typing experience for users of these high-quality mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, significant differences emerge. The Thunder Shadow has no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Conversely, the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. The variability in force between these two switches offers users a choice between a more substantial typing experience with the Thunder Shadow and a lighter touch with the Xinhai. Some may appreciate the Thunder Shadow for its heavier bottom out force, while others may prefer the Xinhai for its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to personal preference in typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular in the keyboard market, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Thunder Shadow offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a greater depth when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 profile, providing a moderate sound that suits a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai delivers a distinctive clacky sound with sharp and snappy characteristics, adding a unique auditory experience to your typing. While both switches offer different sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall sound profile you're aiming for in your keyboard setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Thunder Shadow provides an invigorating tactile feedback with a medium weight feel, creating a satisfying typing experience that is both responsive and enjoyable. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai offers a bouncy sensation with a spring-like feedback, adding a lively and dynamic feel to each keystroke. Additionally, the Xinhai is also described as having a creamy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that is truly delightful. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile or bouncy typing feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Considering the information provided, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and HMX Xinhai switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Thunder Shadow provides a neutral sound profile and invigorating tactile feedback, the Xinhai switch delivers a clacky sound and bouncy or creamy typing feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, exploring the unique qualities of each switch will help you make an informed decision to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is the way to go. These switches offer a satisfying tactile bump with a balanced feel, making them suitable for both beginner and advanced users in various settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a clacky sound profile, the HMX Xinhai linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch provides a blend of sophistication and performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for tactile feedback, actuation force, and sound profile.
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