Akko Fairy vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko Fairy and the Aflion Windy Shadow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The Akko Fairy is renowned for its smooth typing experience due to its factory-applied lubrication, making it an excellent choice for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches are ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow stands out for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light feel with a 55g bottom-out. The Fairy switch is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', while the Windy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and Aflion Windy Shadow both showcase different housing materials in their design. The Fairy features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the nylon top housing of the Fairy provides a duller and rounder sound compared to the more clear and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Akko Fairy and Aflion Windy Shadow opt for nylon materials. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon, as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, the impact of this material on the overall sound and feel of the switch cannot be overlooked. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, thereby enhancing the typing experience for users of both the Fairy and Windy Shadow switches.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switch allows for a unique typing experience with the Akko Fairy and Aflion Windy Shadow. While both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, the contrasting polycarbonate and nylon top housings result in distinct sound profiles. The Fairy's softer nylon top housing creates a rounder sound, while the Windy Shadow's stiffer polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, catering to the preferences of users based on their sound profile preferences.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, with 50 grams versus None grams, respectively. However, when it comes to bottom-out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams while the Windy Shadow only needs 55 grams, making the Windy Shadow slightly lighter in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-light category, making them suitable for users who prefer a balanced typing experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Akko Fairy, while those who favor a lighter touch may find the Aflion Windy Shadow more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Fairy switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Fairy switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Windy Shadow switch with its longer travel distance. Both options offer a different tactile experience, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Fairy. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, on the other hand, is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience without as many pronounced characteristics as other switches. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and approachable typing feel that caters to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, while the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer slightly different sound and feel qualities, both switches aim to provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users are likely to find similar levels of performance and comfort with either switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to individual preference for sound profile, typing experience, and personal aesthetics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your typing environment and preference. If you work in an office setting and prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Fairy switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a distinctive bounce and a slightly lighter bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow switches could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their unique characteristics, so the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and use case.
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