Gateron Beer vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Aflion Windy Shadow offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Gateron Beer, with its translucent green color inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, stands out with its tactile feedback that is both light and distinct. Its stepped tactility provides a subtle feel that sets it apart from other switches, accompanied by a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch boasts a neutral sound profile and a comfortable 55g bottom-out weight. This switch also features an extended spring that adds a distinctive bounce to each keystroke. While the Beer switch is known for being clacky and easy-to-press, the Windy Shadow is described as low-pitched and mild. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Windy Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the two switches differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its overall sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Windy Shadow benefit from their polycarbonate top housings. The clear nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall appearance of the switch. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing lends itself to the overall sound profile of the switch, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a different sound experience with a deeper and fuller tone.
Overall, while the top housings of the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Windy Shadow are made of the same material, providing similar benefits in terms of aesthetics and sound quality, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its overall sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a different sound experience with a deeper tone. This shows how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in both aspects. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown and its bottom out force is 55 grams. The Beer provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who type or game for extended periods. In contrast, the Windy Shadow offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer their own advantages in terms of weight, with the Beer being lighter and the Windy Shadow falling on the medium-lighter end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those looking for quick responses, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to the average user, as both switches provide a relatively short actuation distance. Choosing between the two would likely come down to personal preference in terms of the feel of the switch rather than the slight variance in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky signature, which provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, adding a crisp and bright tone to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating a more mellow and bass-heavy tone that is suitable for various settings. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Beer switch delivering a more pronounced and distinct sound, while the Windy Shadow switch offers a more balanced and moderate sound output.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, its stepped tactility provides a more subtle and nuanced typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle and approachable feel that is comfortable for most users. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Beer switch focusing on lightweight and stepped tactility, while the Windy Shadow switch prioritizes a comfortable and moderate typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, while the Windy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a mild typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to different typing styles and preferences, ultimately providing a unique and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more unique tactile experience with a clacky sound signature, the Beer switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a more neutral sound profile with a gentle typing experience, the Windy Shadow switch could be the ideal choice. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience when making your decision between these two switches.
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