Kailh Box Navy vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing preferences, the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer contrasting options to consider. The Box Navy excels in providing a heavy typing experience with a satisfyingly loud clicky sound, reminiscent of vintage keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion presents a more neutral sound profile and a smoother keystroke with its linear switch design. If you appreciate a sharp, crunchy, and invigorating typing experience, the Box Navy may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a mild, low-pitched, and neutral typing sensation, the Windy Shadow could be a better fit. Despite these general pointers, diving deeper into the unique characteristics of each switch will ultimately help you make the best decision for your keyboard preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches have the same top housing material, they may have different tactile and auditory feedback due to their design and construction.
On the other hand, the Box Navy and the Windy Shadow differ in their bottom housing material. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switch.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining its overall sound and feel. While both the Kailh Box Navy and Aflion Windy Shadow may have polycarbonate top housings, their differences in bottom housing material can lead to distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound profile with nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch which does not have a specified actuation force. However, the Bottom out force of the Box Navy is 90 grams, significantly heavier than the Windy Shadow's 55 grams. The Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out force, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a lighter typing experience with a lower bottom out force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for typing feel and the level of force they are comfortable with.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Despite the minimal difference in distance between the two switches, the Box Navy offers a slightly longer keypress experience compared to the Windy Shadow. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, making them suitable choices for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, such as gamers. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for the tactile feel of the switch, with the Box Navy providing a slightly deeper keypress compared to the Windy Shadow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating a more mellow tone suitable for various environments. Whether you prefer a sharp and crisp sound like stepping on crunchy autumn leaves or a more balanced and moderate sound, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Box Navy switch is known for its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. The stiffness of this switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate, creating a more intense typing sensation. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle feel that appeals to a wider range of users. The moderate to firm actuation force of the Windy Shadow switch strikes a balance between feedback intensity and ease of use, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a resonant and sharp sound profile, the Box Navy switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile combined with a gentle and approachable typing feel, the Windy Shadow switch provides a comfortable medium-light option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a distinctive clicky sound and tactile feel, the Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a smooth linear feel, the Windy Shadow switches would suit you better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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