Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Aflion Windy Shadow are two options that stand out for their unique characteristics. The CAP Anniversary is a linear switch best known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion offers a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable typing experience at a 55g bottom-out. While the CAP Anniversary is described as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', 'Polished', the Windy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. If you're looking for a smooth and stable typing experience, the CAP Anniversary might be the way to go, whereas the Windy Shadow could be your choice for a comfortable and neutral sound profile. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Polycarbonate
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 20mm spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. However, despite both switches sharing this feature, the specific design and construction of each switch may still influence the overall sound and feel when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches opt for nylon, a classic choice that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This choice in housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, adding to the overall typing experience. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the design of each switch may still lead to subtle differences in sound and feel when typing.
The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches showcases a balance between crispness and depth in sound. The differences in housing materials between the top and bottom components of these switches reflect the unique typing experience each switch offers. While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the overall design and construction of each switch will ultimately determine the nuanced differences in sound and feel when typing.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch reveals some notable differences. The CAP Anniversary has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Windy Shadow has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, but the actuation force is not specified. This means that while the Windy Shadow is lighter in terms of bottom out force, it may have a lighter actuation force as well. In terms of preference, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the CAP Anniversary, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary 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 difference may not seem like much, but it can have a significant impact on the feel of the switch. The longer travel distance on the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel, while the shorter travel distance on the Aflion Windy Shadow switch could appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific use case, as both options offer a unique tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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
The CAP Anniversary switch is known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design, resulting in minimal wobble and increased stability. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch from Aflion offers a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light typing experience at a 55g bottom-out. The sound of the CAP Anniversary switch is not explicitly described in the provided information, but both switches offer unique sound profiles depending on additional factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is noted for being snappy, creamy, and polished, offering a responsive and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Windy Shadow switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone for most users. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that can enhance the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences based on the desired level of feedback and responsiveness.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Aflion Windy Shadow switches provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary excels in smoothness and stability, while the Windy Shadow offers a comfortable medium-light typing experience with a distinctive bounce. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, tactile feedback, and typing experience. As both switches offer specific characteristics that cater to different needs, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-light bottom out force and value a distinctive bounce with a neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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