KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch is loved for its buttery and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. It offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch from Aflion offers a neutral sound profile with a mild and low-pitched typing feel, along with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. While the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may appeal to those who enjoy a smooth and resonant typing experience, the Windy Shadow switch is a great choice for those seeking a more neutral sound and feel. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and Aflion Windy Shadow switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary blend top housing from KTT that produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, while the Windy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Windy Shadow gives it a more translucent appearance, making it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. In contrast, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a smooth and durable feel, with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition.
While the top and bottom housings of the Vanilla Ice Cream and Windy Shadow switches differ in material, they each bring distinct qualities to the overall typing experience. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's top housing contributes to the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In comparison, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer a balance of smoothness, durability, and sound characteristics, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts for different reasons.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and Aflion Windy Shadow switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The KTT switch's blend of materials creates a unique clacky sound signature, while the Windy Shadow's use of polycarbonate and nylon produces a sharper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer a high-pitched, clacky sound or a deep, dull sound, both switches offer a combination of durability and smoothness that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches to see which one suits your preferences best may be the best way to determine which housing material is right for you.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Windy Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Vanilla Ice Cream is 48 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired force required for a satisfying keystroke.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it is evident that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. This means that users will get similar results in terms of the feel and feedback when typing on either switch. Therefore, whether you choose the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream or the Aflion Windy Shadow, you can expect a consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 3.5 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Aflion Windy 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 Windy 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, giving typists a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a neutral and low-pitched sound, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Depending on personal preference, typists can choose between the distinctive high-pitched sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream or the more neutral and gentle sound of the Windy Shadow.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that feels effortless and uniform. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. Typists can enjoy the silky sensation of gliding their fingers across the keys with ease on the Vanilla Ice Cream or opt for a more approachable typing experience with the Windy Shadow.
Considering all the available information, typists looking for a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound can opt for the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch. On the other hand, typists seeking a more neutral and mellow sound profile with a mild typing experience may prefer the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring typists can find the perfect switch for their typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel to determine which is best for you. If you prefer a lighter touch with a slightly lower bottom out force, along with a high-pitched, marbly sound profile and a buttery, creamy feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light feel with a neutral, low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Windy Shadow switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel. Choose wisely to enhance your typing experience with the perfect switch for you.
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