KTT Glimp vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and Aflion Windy Shadow are two options that stand out. The Glimp switch offers a medium-light feel with tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, making it ideal for those looking for a satisfying typing experience without too much resistance. Its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions, making it appealing for those who appreciate the sound of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches provide a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from their extended spring, offering a different typing experience compared to the Glimp switch. With a 55g bottom-out, they offer a comfortably medium-light typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, catered to different preferences. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The differences arise in the nylon bottom housings, with the Glimp's bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housings, the different nylon bottom housings contribute to variations in sound and feel. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings mean that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with differences in sound profiles depending on the direction of key presses.
Overall, the use of nylon and polycarbonate in the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and Aflion Windy Shadow showcase the unique qualities each material brings to the typing experience. While both switches offer a sharper and crisper sound profile with their polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their nylon bottom housings create variations in sound and feel when typing. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a duller and rounder sound, these housing materials offer a customized typing experience based on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that there are some differences between the two. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison to the Windy Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-light category in terms of force required. The Glimp provides a smoother and lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing force and experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Glimp switch offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys compared to the Windy Shadow. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Windy Shadow with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Glimp. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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
The KTT Glimp linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, adding a sense of crispness and brightness to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Glimp switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation as fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Windy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, providing a comfortable typing experience without overwhelming resistance.
In conclusion, while the KTT Glimp and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches have different sound profiles and slightly varying feel descriptions, both switches offer a satisfying and responsive typing experience with a comfortable actuation force. Whether you prefer a clacky sound with a creamy feel or a low-pitched sound with a mild feel, you can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance from these switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Glimp linear switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a clacky sound profile and a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams, then the Glimp switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams, along with a distinctive bounce due to the extended spring, then the Windy Shadow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and which characteristics you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
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