SP-Star Ayara vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique characteristics worth considering. The Ayara is a linear switch with a medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. It provides a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, categorized as neutral, high-pitched, and polished. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion is also a linear switch known for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from its extended spring. With a 55g bottom-out weight, it offers a comfortably medium-light typing experience, categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, delving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately help you determine the best option for your typing preferences. Let's explore the details further so you can make an informed choice on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Windy Shadow differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles. The Ayara's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Ayara providing a more muffled and muted sound compared to the Windy Shadow's clear and resonant sound.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a common material in their bottom housings - nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a similar typing experience for both the Ayara and the Windy Shadow, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel remain consistent between the two, giving users a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. This shared housing material helps to maintain a level of similarity in the sound profile of the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material for the top housing plays a significant role, particularly when it comes to RGB lighting. The polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow allows for a more vibrant and clear display of RGB lighting compared to the opaque nylon top housing of the Ayara. This difference in translucency can greatly impact the overall look of the switch, with the Windy Shadow offering a brighter and more colorful visual experience for users who prioritize RGB lighting in their setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we see that both switches have an unknown actuation force but have different bottom out forces. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly lighter at a medium-light level. In terms of weight, some may prefer the Windy Shadow for its lighter bottom out force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ayara with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer a unique typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Ayara offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's shorter travel distance may be favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer benefits depending on personal preference. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Windy Shadow may be the better choice, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Ayara. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a high-pitched characteristic, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch presents a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the SP-Star Ayara is described as offering a polished typing experience thanks to its smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel to most users. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience while catering to different preferences in terms of key feel.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Ayara and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches differ in their sound profiles and typing feels, both switches offer a neutral actuation force requirement, making them versatile options for various typing tasks. Whether you prefer a high-pitched, sharp sound or a low-pitched, mellow sound, or if you prefer a polished, refined typing feel or a mild, gentle typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your specific sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a hearty typing experience with a medium bottom-out force and a soft bottom-out feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the way to go. These switches are best suited for those who prefer a clacky sound profile and a medium actuation force requirement. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce and a lighter bottom-out force, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is the better choice. With its 55g bottom-out force and comfortable medium-light feel, the Windy Shadow switches provide a mellow tone and a gentle typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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