Durock Blue Lotus vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that they offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switch stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a marked tactile feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch from Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, offering a comfortable typing experience. While the Blue Lotus switch adds a visual appeal with its detachable light column for RGB illumination, the Windy Shadow switch provides a medium-light typing experience at a 55g bottom-out. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Windy Shadow both utilize unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a premium and distinctive feel, while the Windy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. Despite their differences, both switches offer a high-quality and innovative housing material that enhances the user experience.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Blue Lotus and the Windy Shadow use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds to the overall typing experience. This shared choice of housing material between the two switches highlights the importance of selecting materials that contribute to the desired sound profile and tactile feel of the switch. Whether it's typing on the Blue Lotus or the Windy Shadow, users can expect a satisfying sound experience thanks to the presence of nylon in the bottom housing.
While the Blue Lotus and the Windy Shadow have different top housings, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing in both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, combined with the influence of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, creates a well-rounded typing experience for users of both switches. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in both the Blue Lotus and the Windy Shadow plays a crucial role in shaping the overall user experience and sound profile of these high-quality switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus is the heavier of the two. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Blue Lotus for a more substantial typing experience, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may opt for the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for users looking for a quicker response time. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow for faster key presses, while those looking for a more substantial feel may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its bassy profile, providing a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, making it suitable for various users and environments. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used, so personal preference plays a significant role in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, offering a medium tactile experience with a noticeable amount of tactility and responsiveness. The Windy Shadow, on the other hand, is characterized as mild, providing a gentler typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground for most users. Both switches offer unique tactile and typing experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of feedback and responsiveness.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus and Aflion Windy Shadow switches have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Blue Lotus excels in tactile intensity and responsiveness, with a snappy feel and accented tactility. In contrast, the Windy Shadow offers a more neutral and mild experience, suitable for a wider range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer high-quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you prioritize a tactile and snappy typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Blue Lotus switches are a great choice. The added bonus of vibrant RGB illumination adds a visually captivating element to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a lighter typing experience, the Windy Shadow linear switches with their comfortable 55g bottom-out force may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
