Durock Dolphin vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider their key characteristics. The Durock Dolphins are silent switches, suitable for office environments or quiet workspaces, with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g that offers a satisfying press and precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadows offer a unique bounce from their extended spring and a neutral sound profile, making them a comfortable choice with a 55g bottom-out force. While the Dolphins are categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Windy Shadows are described as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and Aflion Windy Shadow switches are quite similar, both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound that can be felt when typing on the switches.
While both switches share the same top housing material, the Durock Dolphin and Aflion Windy Shadow differ in their bottom housing material. The Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a different sound and feel compared to the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the stiffness of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound. Users pressing down on the switches will notice the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and Aflion Windy Shadow switches play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles and typing experiences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, providing a sharp and crisp sound ideal for RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing material - nylon for the Dolphin and polycarbonate for the Windy Shadow - results in variations in the depth and fullness of the sound produced. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials contributes to the overall feel and sound of each switch, offering users a unique typing experience based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is apparent that the Dolphin has a heavier bottom out force at 62 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's 55 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, both switches have an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to determine any significant differences in this regard. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Windy Shadow may be the more suitable choice due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Dolphin despite its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing experience and the desired weight of the keys.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Windy Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Dolphin. A 0.3 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Windy Shadow, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Dolphin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the market today. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin and Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a quiet option suitable for office environments. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch also has a low-pitched sound but is described as neutral, offering a moderate sound profile that can cater to a wider range of users. In terms of feel, the Dolphin switch is polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The Windy Shadow switch, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Overall, while the Dolphin switch offers a heavier actuation force and a more substantial feel, the Windy Shadow switch provides a lighter bottom-out force and a more versatile sound profile. Depending on your preferences, you can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, but with slightly different characteristics that cater to different users' needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you require a silent switch for an office setting or a workspace where noise levels are a concern, the Dolphin with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a lighter actuation force, the Windy Shadow with its 55g bottom-out force could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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