Keyshot Light

Weight

86g

Thickness

6.9mm

Plies

5-ply

Head Size

157x151

Handles

FL / ST

Material

Hybrid

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Butterfly

Keyshot Light

Japan
1991

Butterfly Keyshot Light is a classic offensive blade celebrated for its harmonious blend of speed, control, and a soft, comfortable playing feel. As a pioneer of Arylate technology, its re-release maintains the original's large sweet spot and reduced vibration while offering a lighter build. The Arylate fibers provide excellent dwell time, making it a potent yet controllable option for spin-oriented, all-round offensive players who value feel and consistency in their game.

5-Ply Construction

The 5-ply construction features two Arylate fiber layers strategically placed between wood plies. This combination provides a softer feel and increased dwell time compared to traditional all-wood blades, while the Arylate offers vibration dampening and elasticity without the stiffness typically associated with carbon fibers.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
8.0

Keyshot Light delivers speed in the OFF- to OFF range, providing good pace for looping and controlled offensive shots. Our testing shows it offers moderate to good offensive capability, with sufficient power for most attacking plays, especially when combined with faster rubbers. While some players seeking maximum smash velocity might look elsewhere, it provides a balanced speed that supports consistent, spin-focused attacking.

Control
7.5

Control is a standout feature, consistently rated highly by players. The Arylate layers create a large sweet spot and excellent feel, allowing for precise placement and reliable performance in blocking, receiving short balls, and counter-looping. This high level of control makes the blade suitable for tactical players who value consistency and confidence in every shot, from delicate touches to aggressive loops.

Feel
Medium-Soft
SoftMedium-SoftHard

The feel is soft and comfortable, a direct result of the Arylate fiber layers. This provides excellent dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball on the racket face for better spin generation and control. It offers a pleasant, less jarring experience compared to harder, stiffer blades, making extended play sessions more comfortable.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

Keyshot Light produces a medium-high throw angle, which helps generate significant arc on looping shots. This characteristic assists in clearing the net with ease and applying heavy spin to the opponent's side, making it particularly effective for players who rely on topspin attacks.

Dwell Time
8.0

Arylate construction significantly enhances dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade for longer contact. This facilitates increased spin on loops and chops, giving players better control and spin generation, especially on slower, more technical strokes where feeling the ball is crucial.

Flexibility
6.0

This blade offers a medium level of flexibility—not overly stiff like some composite blades, nor excessively flexible like some all-wood blades. This balanced flexibility contributes to its good combination of control and power, allowing for effective looping and stable blocking without feeling too rigid or too mushy.

Vibration
4.0

Keyshot Light features reduced vibrations compared to many other blades, particularly hard carbon ones. The Arylate layers help absorb excessive shock, providing a more comfortable hitting experience and a clearer feel of the ball. While some vibration is present, it's generally well-managed and contributes to the blade's overall comfortable character.

Quality
8.0

Build quality is generally regarded as good, with quality craftsmanship and materials. Players appreciate the use of Arylate technology and well-selected wood plies. Some note the blade can be somewhat susceptible to dents from hard impacts on the table, but overall construction maintains Butterfly's reputation for reliable, well-made equipment that offers good value for its performance characteristics.

Technology

Butterfly Keyshot Light's defining technology is its use of Arylate fiber layers. Arylate is known for its softness, elasticity, and vibration-dampening properties. Unlike Arylate-Carbon (ALC) composites, this blade omits carbon fiber entirely, resulting in a softer feel and increased dwell time that benefits spin-oriented play. The original Keyshot pioneered this material application, and the 'Light' version continues this legacy with a focus on comfort and control.

Similar Blades

Butterfly Timo Boll Spark

Timo Boll Spark shares similar Arylate technology and is known for its softer feel and good dwell time, making it suitable for spin-focused play. While the Spark is generally considered a bit thinner and may offer a slightly different feel, both blades target all-round offensive players seeking control and spin potential.

Butterfly Michael Maze ALC

Michael Maze ALC incorporates carbon alongside Arylate, offering a slightly faster and stiffer option while retaining some of the soft feel and spin potential. It represents a logical step up in speed from the Keyshot Light for players wanting more power without completely abandoning the Arylate character.

Nittaku Septear

Nittaku Septear is noted for its composite construction that aims to provide a soft feel with speeds in the OFF- to OFF range, similar to what players seek from the Keyshot Light. It serves as a potential alternative for those appreciating a controlled, spin-friendly blade from a different manufacturer.

Joola Rossi Emotion

Joola Rossi Emotion is recommended as a blade that is softish, not excessively fast, spinny, and light. It's also noted as being relatively inexpensive, making it a potential budget-friendly alternative for players seeking a similar feel to the Keyshot Light without the premium price tag.