Gateron Aliaz vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Aflion Windy Shadow, a linear switch. The Aliaz switches are perfect for quiet environments, such as the office, due to their silent design. With a medium-heavy weight, they offer a substantial feel to each keystroke, making them ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Windy Shadows linears from Aflion provide a neutral sound profile along with a unique bounce from their extended spring. At a 55g bottom-out, they offer a comfortably medium-light typing experience. While these general descriptions give a good overview of each switch, diving deeper into their specific features and characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant sound, especially when using RGB lighting. In contrast, the Windy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound quality.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the difference in their bottom housings leads to distinct sound profiles. The Gateron Aliaz excels in creating a sharper and clearer sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, which impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, affecting the overall sound profile when typing. This showcases the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the sound and feel of a switch.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Aflion Windy Shadow ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, with the Aliaz focusing on a sharper and crisper sound while the Windy Shadow provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether you prioritize a clear and resonant sound or a duller and rounder sound, understanding the impact of top and bottom housing materials is crucial in selecting the right switch for your needs.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Windy Shadow has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Aliaz's 75 grams. This means that the Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, while the Windy Shadow offers a lighter keystroke feel. Both weights have their advantages, with the lighter force being ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, and the heavier force providing a more solid and deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch's 4 mm travel distance. This means that the Windy Shadow provides a slightly quicker key press experience, making it a favorable choice for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Aliaz offers a slightly deeper key press due to its longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feeling.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like the office where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various settings. Both switches offer distinct auditory qualities that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on whether you prefer a softer, quieter typing experience or a more mellow, neutral sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In comparison, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with qualities that fall into a safe, middle-ground zone that can be approachable to most users. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and smooth typing feel, but the Aliaz may appeal more to those looking for an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, while the Windy Shadow may suit those who prefer a gentler touch when typing.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and environments. The Aliaz is best suited for those looking for a quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and a polished, silky feel, while the Windy Shadow is ideal for users seeking a neutral sound profile with a comfortable medium-light touch. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, ensuring a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences. If you prefer one characteristic over the other, you can expect to get similar results in terms of quality and performance when choosing either the Aliaz or the Windy Shadow switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing environment. If you prioritize a heavier actuation force and a more substantial typing feedback while needing a quiet switch for office or shared spaces, the Aliaz would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force combined with a neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience, the Aflion Windy Shadow would be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so be sure to consider these factors when making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
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