Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Windy Shadow represent two distinct approaches to mechanical keyboard switches. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch known for its light operating force of 45g, offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Its sound profile is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, providing a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion is a linear switch with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. With a bottom-out force of 55g, it offers a comfortably medium-light typing experience. Those looking for a gentle and comfortable tactile typing experience may prefer the Crystal Violet, while those seeking a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce may lean towards the Windy Shadow. 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
55g
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
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing provides a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of ABS in the Crystal Violet offers a familiar feel for those who are accustomed to keycaps made of the same material, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow enhances the sound by adding a crisp and resonant quality.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Crystal Violet's ABS is similar to the top housing material, providing a consistent low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. The use of nylon in the bottom housing helps absorb more sound, resulting in a more rounded and muted sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Windy Shadow contributes to their distinct sound profiles. While the Crystal Violet features ABS in both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a more consistent low-pitched sound, the Windy Shadow combines polycarbonate and nylon to create a sharper top sound and a deeper bottom sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the properties of their housing materials.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, which has a force that is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. The Crystal Violet provides a more consistent typing experience with its known actuation force, while the Windy Shadow offers a linear feel without a specified actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Crystal Violet would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Windy Shadow may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation force and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Crystal Violet offers a bit more depth, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more traditional feel or who enjoy a bit of a deeper press. In contrast, the Windy Shadow provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster actuation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switch options comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more deliberate press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that users can expect a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which is not overly loud or sharp. The choice of sound between these two switches would largely depend on personal preference and how they complement other elements of the keyboard setup, such as the board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth, gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is described as mild, providing a comfortable and approachable typing experience without being too intense. Both switches fall within the realm of a pleasant typing experience, catering to individuals who prefer a more moderate feel without sacrificing on performance.
Overall, both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer users a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether one prefers a slightly more stepped tactile feedback with a creamy sensation or a straightforward, mild typing experience, both switches deliver quality performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and how they fit into the overall keyboard setup to ensure a customized and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a relaxed and stepped tactile feel with a light operating force and a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound profile, medium-light bottom-out force, and a gentle typing experience, the Windy Shadow would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound when typing.
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