Outemu Crystal vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Outemu Crystal and the Aflion Windy Shadow, both linear switches. The Outemu Crystal is praised for its unique linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, users can expect a neutral sound profile when typing on the Crystals. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a distinctive bounce from its extended spring mechanism and a 55g bottom-out force, providing a comfortable medium-light typing experience. The Windy Shadow also boasts a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for quiet environments. 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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Outemu Crystal and Aflion Windy Shadow switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucent properties of polycarbonate make it ideal for switches designed to use RGB lighting. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches deliver a clear and resonant sound when typing, making them suitable choices for users who prioritize sound quality in their mechanical keyboards.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Outemu Crystal utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, amplifying the sharp and clear sound profile created by the top housing. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This contrast in bottom housing materials means that the typing experience on each switch will have a slightly different feel and sound, catering to users with preferences for either a crisper sound or a deeper tone in their keystrokes.
Overall, despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Outemu Crystal and Aflion Windy Shadow switches are designed to provide users with a premium typing experience. While the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes a clear and resonant sound, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to customize their mechanical keyboard setup accordingly. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of top and bottom housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Outemu Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is also 55 grams, which is also medium-light. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of bottom out force, but the Outemu Crystal requires a lighter initial push to actuate a keystroke compared to the Windy Shadow. This lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a smoother typing experience for longer periods, while those who prefer a slightly heavier push may lean towards the Windy Shadow for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Crystal provides a slightly deeper keypress feel compared to the Windy Shadow. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the Windy Shadow due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience may lean towards the Crystal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched characteristics, providing a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a neutral and low-pitched sound profile, producing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a sharper and crisper sound, the Crystal may be the better choice, while the Windy Shadow provides a more moderate and versatile sound suitable for various environments.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches fall within the medium-light weight category, offering a comfortable typing experience with their unique feel profiles.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a chirpy and polished feel, the Outemu Crystal may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a neutral and low-pitched sound profile combined with a mild typing experience, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the more suitable choice. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for you, so it's recommended to test out both options if possible to see which one best fits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a unique, elastic feel with a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, the Outemu Crystal may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, combined with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound profile you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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