Kailh Box Royal vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactility, offering a sharp and binary tactile feedback that is ideal for those seeking a more aggressive typing experience. With a higher-pitched sound profile, these switches provide a dynamic typing feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches are designed to offer a neutral sound profile and a distinct bounce thanks to their extended spring. At a bottom-out force of 55g, they provide a comfortable and medium-light typing experience. The Windy Shadow switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound and mild, neutral feel. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, further exploration is necessary to determine which switch best suits your individual needs and preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is clear that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound. As a result, both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom housing. However, the difference arises in the top housing material, where the Box Royal utilizes nylon while the Windy Shadow opts for polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Windy Shadow's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the Box Royal's nylon top housing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it more suitable for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
The choice of material for the top housing significantly impacts the sound profile of a switch. While the Kailh Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, the Aflion Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a more clear and resonant sound thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. The difference in sound characteristics between the two switches can be attributed to the properties of nylon and polycarbonate. Nylon's ability to absorb more sound leads to a duller and rounder sound, while polycarbonate's stiffness results in a sharper and crisp sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a distinct typing experience based on the choice of material for the top housing.
In terms of housing materials, the Kailh Box Royal and the Aflion Windy Shadow showcase the impact of nylon and polycarbonate on the overall sound profile of mechanical switches. While both switches share a common nylon bottom housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound, the differentiation arises in the top housing material. The Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a softer typing experience with a rounder sound, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound characteristics and aesthetic considerations such as RGB lighting compatibility, users can choose between the two switches based on the unique qualities imparted by their respective housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we find that the Box Royal has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Windy Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Box Royal is 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Windy Shadow, while individuals seeking a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Box Royal. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and preference for each user.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Box Royal offers a slightly longer key press feeling. For gamers looking for faster response times, the Windy Shadow may be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press sensation, the Box Royal may be the better option with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, and the choice between them may come down to personal preference for the specific feel of the key press.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offers a high-pitched profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, appealing to those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving off a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is more moderate and suitable for various purposes. Depending on personal preference, the higher-pitched sound of the Box Royal may be more appealing to those looking for a sharper tone, while the Windy Shadow's neutral sound may cater to a broader range of users.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp tactility, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress that provides a high level of feedback intensity. Conversely, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a milder typing experience with a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. This makes the Windy Shadow switches approachable to most users, while the intense feedback of the Box Royal switches may be preferred by those seeking a more pronounced tactile response.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal excels in providing a sharp and high-pitched sound profile with intense tactile feedback, ideal for users who favor a more aggressive typing feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow linear switch delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a milder typing experience, suitable for a wider range of preferences. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would ultimately depend on individual typing preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a high level of tactility and enjoys a sharper, high-pitched sound profile in your keyboard switches, then the Kailh Box Royal tactile switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more mellow typing experience with a neutral, low-pitched sound profile and a comfortable 55g bottom-out force, then the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
