the current icon with different colors works as well. although if we are being critical i think a more stylish/modern would be cool (some of the points TheQwerty mentioned about shades/fades/light)
For the alternative one, i agree that light colors would make it stand out more. being explorer is one of the main programs i use and have open all the time it would make finding/selecting it in the taskbar easier.
I say, switch the black and white, then throw in a some Red.
XYplorer Beta Club