Aflion Windy Shadow vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Emerging as a noteworthy manufacturer, Aflion presents its latest linear switch: the Windy Shadows. Known for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, these switches offer a comfortable medium-light bottom-out at 55g. Categorized as low-pitched, mild, neutral, the Windy Shadow is a great option for those looking for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches are loved for their intoxicating feel and rich sound profile. With a pillowy light touch and a bassy, low-pitched sound, these switches provide a unique typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can choose the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Windy Shadow and the KTT Wine Red, it is clear that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in both top housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, due to its stiffness and ability to resonate sound effectively. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting for added visual appeal. While both switches share this common feature, they may differ in their bottom housings, with the Windy Shadow featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Wine Red has a polycarbonate bottom housing for a sharper and crisper sound.
However, where the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, their respective qualities will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing, such as the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when it is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing, like the polycarbonate top housing of the Wine Red, will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This split in housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, as the qualities of both the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of each keystroke.
Overall, while the Aflion Windy Shadow and the KTT Wine Red may have some differences in their housing materials, particularly in the bottom housings, they both benefit from the advantages of polycarbonate in their top housings. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear, resonant sound profile that is enhanced by its stiffness, making it a popular choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Whether you prefer the deeper sound of nylon in the bottom housing of the Windy Shadow or the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Wine Red, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see that the Windy Shadow has no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches have a medium-light bottom out force, but the Wine Red is lighter in terms of actuation force. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures pressing all the way down. As a result, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may favor the Wine Red for its lighter actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Windy Shadow due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, users will need to consider their preferences for typing feel when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow makes it a preferred choice for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Wine Red may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches offers options for users to choose based on their preference for responsiveness or key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone that provides a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for most users. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch produces a deep and rich bassy sound, also low-pitched, providing a satisfyingly different auditory experience during key presses. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, users can tailor their sound experience accordingly to their liking.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not available at this time.
Considering the available information, both the Aflion Windy Shadow and KTT Wine Red switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. Users looking for a switch with a neutral and low-pitched sound profile combined with a comfortable typing experience may lean towards the Windy Shadow switch, while those seeking a deeper and rich bassy sound may prefer the Wine Red switch. Ultimately, individual preferences will play a significant role in choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch to suit their typing style and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce, the Windy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a pillowy light typing feel with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider how you typically use your keyboard and what kind of typing experience you enjoy the most before making your choice.
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