Aflion Iceberg vs. Aflion Windy Shadow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features worth considering. The Iceberg, a linear switch, is highly regarded for its smoothness and two-stage spring that provides a fulfilling feel. It is known for being clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow, also a linear switch, stands out for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from its extended spring. With a 55g bottom-out, these switches offer a comfortably medium-light typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

Aflion Windy Shadow Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Iceberg uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Windy Shadow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering the same qualities of a deeper and fuller sound profile.

Despite the similarities in using polycarbonate for their top housings, the Aflion Iceberg and Aflion Windy Shadow differ in their bottom housing materials. The Iceberg's nylon bottom housing provides a more muted and round sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow also benefits from the depth and fullness of nylon in its bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile across the entire switch. Both switches show how the combination of different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Iceberg and the Aflion Windy Shadow plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top housings, the differentiation in bottom housing materials allows for distinct sound profiles. The Iceberg's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Windy Shadow achieves a similar effect with its nylon bottom housing. Whether it's the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience in a unique way for these two switches.

Weight

In comparing and contrasting the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we can see that the Iceberg is lighter in both aspects. The Iceberg has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. However, the Iceberg has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the Windy Shadow's bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Iceberg switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Windy Shadow. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Iceberg would be the preferred choice. However, for those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing, the Windy Shadow would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Aflion Iceberg linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Windy Shadow offers a slightly shallower press, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Iceberg switch provides a slightly deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when typing. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow may be more appealing to those seeking a quicker key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Iceberg. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, the sound produced by each switch can vary significantly.

In terms of feel, the Iceberg linear switch is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a fulfilling feel due to its two-stage spring. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow linear switch is characterized as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with different levels of responsiveness and tactility to suit various preferences.

Overall, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Iceberg switch tends to produce a sharper sound and offers a more lively feel, the Windy Shadow switch provides a mellower sound profile and a more approachable typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more clacky and high-pitched sound or a low-pitched and neutral sound, as well as a snappier or milder typing feel, choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches are capable of providing a satisfying typing experience depending on the individual's preferences and requirements.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the bottom-out force, sound, and feel preferences that align with your typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and a snappy and feathery feel, then the Iceberg switch would be your top choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams, a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and a mild typing experience, then the Windy Shadow switch would suit you better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Windy Shadow Linear

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

Learn more