KTT Mint vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Mint is praised for its smooth linear switch with a satisfying poppy thockiness, providing a light and fleeting typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is known for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, offering a comfortable medium-light feel with a 55g bottom-out. Each switch has its own characteristics that may appeal to different users. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mint and the Aflion Windy Shadow utilize polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Despite both switches using the same material for their top housings, the overall feel and sound of the switches may vary depending on their other housing components.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the KTT Mint and the Aflion Windy Shadow feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, and in both switches, the nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience.
While the KTT Mint and Aflion Windy Shadow share similarities in their housing materials, such as both featuring polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, the specific design and construction of each switch will still lead to unique typing experiences. The split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings means that each switch will have a distinct feel and sound profile, with the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released, and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, while they may share housing materials, the overall typing experience with each switch could differ based on their individual design and construction.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, one notable difference is their actuation force. The KTT Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Aflion Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them relatively similar in terms of the force needed to fully press the key. The Mint is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow may offer a slightly heavier feel during typing, which some users may find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Windy Shadow the shorter of the two switches, providing a quicker response time and potentially being more preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Mint offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for speed or a longer travel distance for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer similar features due to their relatively close travel distances, so you can expect comparable results in terms of performance.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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 comparing the sound of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, both are described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that they provide a bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for a variety of environments and users. The overall sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Mint and the Windy Shadow are described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle and approachable feel for most users, without any extreme characteristics. The Mint switch is further noted for its polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. With low-pitched and neutral sound profiles, as well as mild typing experiences, users can expect a satisfying and comfortable typing experience from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics, pricing, or other features offered by the respective brands.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you are looking for a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, along with a poppy thockiness, then the Mint switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile combined with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, along with a comfortably medium-light bottom-out force, then the Windy Shadow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique experience in terms of sound and feel, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing preferences.
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