HMX EMO vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX EMO, a linear switch, and the Aflion Windy Shadow, also a linear switch. The HMX EMO is known for offering a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. Factory-lubed for smoothness, this switch provides a bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and effortless. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is emerging as a noteworthy option, with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from their extended spring. With a 55g bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow switches offer a comfortably medium-light typing experience. While the EMO excels in providing a lighter touch and a more clacky feel, the Windy Shadow offers a more neutral sound profile and a slightly heavier bottom-out force. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the Aflion Windy Shadow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The EMO features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Windy Shadow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound.
Despite both switches sharing polycarbonate for their top housing material, the difference lies in their bottom housing material. The EMO and the Windy Shadow both offer a unique typing experience due to the qualities of their housing materials. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that is felt in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In comparison, polycarbonate's stiffness creates a more resonant sound that is experienced when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the HMX EMO and the Aflion Windy Shadow creates a balanced and dynamic typing experience. While both switches offer a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their nylon bottom housing provide a deeper and fuller sound that adds a unique tactile feel to each key press. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that caters to individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. However, the Windy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the EMO has a bottom out force of 46 grams. This means that the EMO provides a lighter typing experience overall, with a lighter actuation force but slightly heavier bottom out force, while the Windy Shadow offers a slightly heavier actuation force with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches can cater to different preferences, with the EMO being more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and the Windy Shadow being a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a comparable amount of travel before actuation. The consistent travel distance of both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of key press depth. Users can rely on either the HMX EMO or the Aflion Windy Shadow to provide a precise and consistent typing experience due to their identical travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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, the HMX EMO linear switch is known for its lively and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, thanks to its extended spring design. The EMO may provide a more pronounced and lively typing sound compared to the Windy Shadow's more mellow and moderate sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO linear switch offers a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, on the other hand, provides a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its safe and middle-ground qualities. The EMO may deliver a more pronounced and bouncy typing feel compared to the Windy Shadow's gentler typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a vibrant and clacky typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force, the HMX EMO linear switch may be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer a more mellow and neutral sound profile with a comfortable medium-light bottom-out force, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch may be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on your personal typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light and bouncy typing experience with a clacky feel, you may want to choose the HMX EMO linear switch with its 46g bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch with its 55g bottom-out force may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force.
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