Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it's apparent that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile experience that merges the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches are praised for their neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from their extended spring, offering a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out experience. While the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a symphony of touch with its tactile properties, the Windy Shadow impresses with its neutral and mild typing experience. 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
58g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Windy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of the Ice King Tactile results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. In contrast, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the Ice King Tactile.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Ice King Tactile and the Windy Shadow offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top and bottom housings create a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing a deeper typing experience, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a crisper and resonant sound, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Windy Shadow's top housing also allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the typing experience that differs from the solid color of the Ice King Tactile's nylon housing.
In terms of performance, the differences in housing materials between the Ice King Tactile and the Windy Shadow affect not only the sound profile but also the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housings ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer a softer, deeper sound profile with the Ice King Tactile or a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Windy Shadow, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch has a lighter actuation force, as it is unknown, and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Windy Shadow a preferable option for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods of time. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individual preferences for typing feel. The Ice King Tactile is heavier compared to the Windy Shadow, providing a stronger push feel, which some users may find more satisfying for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5mm, making them equally effective in providing tactile feedback and smooth key presses. The consistent travel distance ensures that users will get similar results when typing on either switch, with no noticeable difference in activation feel. This makes both switches a reliable choice for those seeking a consistent typing experience, whether for gaming or everyday use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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 Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle and refined sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving off a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and environments, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance and a two-stage tactile feel. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users, striking a balance between comfort and feedback. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that can enhance typing efficiency and comfort, so the choice between them will largely depend on the user's preference for smoothness and tactile feedback.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer different but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a unique tactile experience with a subdued sound profile and smooth typing feel, the Windy Shadow linear switch offers a neutral sound with a gentle typing experience that is comfortable for most users. Depending on whether you prioritize a pronounced tactile feedback or a milder typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience that meets your preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Ice King Tactile if you value a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a pronounced bump, and a switch with a smooth and frictionless feel. Opt for the Windy Shadow if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force, a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone, and a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom-out force.
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