Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Jerrzi Violet are both standout options in the tactile switch category. The Thunder Shadow, from the up-and-coming name in switches, Aflion, is praised for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel of 63.5g. With a harmoniously balanced typing experience and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadows offer an invigorating yet neutral typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches are known for their gentle tactility and smooth actuation, providing users with a pleasingly poppy typing experience. With a balanced feel and a neutral sound signature, the Violets offer a stepped typing sensation. Both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different users, but it ultimately depends on personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Jerrzi Violet, it's evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. However, the Thunder Shadow and Violet differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Thunder Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Violet also opts for a nylon bottom housing, showcasing a similar sound profile to the Thunder Shadow thanks to the inherent qualities of nylon material.
Despite both keyboards sharing the same top housing material, their bottom housings play a key role in shaping their overall sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound experience, enhancing the typing feedback for users. Similarly, the Violet's nylon bottom housing contributes to a similar typing experience, allowing for a more rounded and dull sound compared to other plastics. While the top housings of both keyboards impact the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing materials highlight the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
In conclusion, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and Jerrzi Violet both showcase the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Their choice of nylon bottom housings also adds depth and fullness to the typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each keyboard plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile and feel for users, highlighting the importance of material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option in terms of how much pressure is needed to fully press the key. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch needed to trigger a keystroke. While the actuation force for the Thunder Shadow is not specified, it is clear that it requires more force to fully press down compared to the Violet. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Violet may be the preferred choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Thunder Shadow may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them ideal for users looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Thunder Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prioritize quick key presses, while the Violet's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a bit more depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between responsiveness and key feel, with the Thunder Shadow being on the shorter end and the Violet being on the longer end of the spectrum.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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, both the Aflion Thunder Shadow and Jerrzi Violet switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of typing environments. This means that the typing experience on either switch will be relatively quiet and unobtrusive, allowing for focused work or a peaceful typing session. These switches are compatible with most boards and keycaps, contributing to their versatility in different setups.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel. This offers users a satisfying and responsive typing sensation, making each keystroke feel deliberate and engaging. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a more stepped tactile feel, providing a smoother actuation and a gentle poppy tactility. This can lead to a more subtle typing experience compared to the Thunder Shadow, with a focus on comfort and ease of use.
Overall, both the Aflion Thunder Shadow and Jerrzi Violet switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Thunder Shadow excels in providing a more invigorating and responsive typing experience, the Violet offers a gentler and smoother feel for those who prefer a more relaxed typing style. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider the following factors. Choose the Aflion Thunder Shadow if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, pronounced tactile bump, and a neutral sound signature, providing a harmonious typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Jerrzi Violet if you enjoy a smooth actuation, poppy tactility, and a neutral sound signature, offering a gentle and enjoyable typing feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a medium-heavy tactile bump or a smoother, gentler typing experience.
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