Dareu Dream vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Dream linear switch is favored by enthusiasts for its lightness and affordability, making it a top choice for those seeking quality switches without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light typing experience. While the Dream is praised for being easy-to-press and clacky, the Windy Shadow is known for its low-pitched sound and neutral feel. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, it's important to consider these general pointers; 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Aflion Windy Shadow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design of the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Dareu Dream and Aflion Windy Shadow feature nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that can be appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. With both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream and Aflion Windy Shadow share similarities in their housing materials, such as the use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the nuances in sound and feel may vary slightly due to how these materials interact with the switches. The split between the top and bottom housing allows each material to contribute different qualities to the overall typing experience, making the choice between the two switches a matter of personal preference based on sound profile and tactile feedback desired by the user.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Dream's bottom out force is unavailable. This means that the Dream requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Windy Shadow, which may appeal to users looking for a lighter typing experience. However, for those who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing, the Windy Shadow with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Dream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow, making it the longer option between the two. The Dream's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a better choice for those looking for a quicker response time, which is preferred by many gamers. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance - if you prefer a slightly longer distance for a more satisfying key press, the Dareu Dream is the way to go, while if you prioritize quicker responses, the Aflion Windy Shadow would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Dareu Dream linear switch is best known for its light and affordable option, making it a popular choice for those looking for a quality switch without breaking the bank. When it comes to sound, the Dream switch provides a clacky and sharp sound profile, giving users a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a medium-light 55g bottom-out weight and a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched, mellow tone. The Windy Shadow switch also features a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, adding a unique touch to the typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Dream and Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer a mild typing experience. The Dream switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Similarly, the Windy Shadow switch provides a gentle and approachable typing feel, making it suitable for various user preferences. Both switches fall within the mild category, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience that is well balanced for most users.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches have their unique sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a mild typing experience that is suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a clacky sound profile with a light touch or a neutral sound profile with a slightly heavier bottom-out weight, both switches provide quality options for those looking to customize their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences in sound and feel, but both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should opt for the Dream if you are looking for an affordable yet quality light linear option with no bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a 55g bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile coupled with a distinctive bounce, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch would be the suitable choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision.
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