Durock Ice King Linear vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features and benefits. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, giving it a smooth and polished feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion stands out for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, providing a mild typing experience with a bottom-out weight of 55g. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Windy Shadow, we see a clear distinction in the choice of materials. The Ice King Linear opts for a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature 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 thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials have their unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ice King Linear and the Windy Shadow feature nylon materials. This choice offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effect of nylon in the top housing. The softness of nylon allows for a more muted and rounded sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switches. With the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, the consistency of nylon in this component ensures a cohesive typing experience across the board.
Overall, while the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Windy Shadow differ in their top housing materials - nylon and polycarbonate respectively - they both share the use of nylon in their bottom housing. This results in a consistent experience in terms of sound profile and feel when typing on either switch. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in both top and bottom housings, as seen in the Ice King Linear, or the contrast of a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate in the top housing, as found in the Windy Shadow, both switches offer unique options to cater to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch differ slightly in terms of weight. The Ice King has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In comparison, the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Ice King. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Windy Shadow may be the better choice, as it requires less force to bottom out. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Ice King's slightly heavier bottom out force may be preferred. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the slight difference in bottom out force may play a role in determining which switch is more suitable for individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that both require the same amount of keypress to register. This means that users can expect similar typing experiences and results when using either switch. The consistent 3.5 mm travel distance ensures that users will have a familiar and comfortable typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the travel distance of both the Ice King Linear and Windy Shadow linear switches is the same, providing a consistent typing experience for users of both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Ice King leaning towards a quieter, understated sound, and the Windy Shadow offering a more balanced and versatile sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless keypress. Conversely, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel characteristics. While the Ice King promises a luxurious and refined typing sensation, the Windy Shadow delivers a comfortable and consistent touch with its medium-light 55g bottom-out force.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a subdued and silky typing experience with the Ice King or a neutral and mild feel with the Windy Shadow, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound profile, keypress feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 62 grams and enjoy a subdued sound profile, along with a silky and frictionless typing experience, then the Ice King Linear switch is the optimal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams, a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and a mild typing experience, then the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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