Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that may catch your eye are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Aflion Windy Shadow. The Gateron Ink Box Pink is a linear switch that is best known for its beautiful translucent design and smooth feel, offering a lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched clack. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow, also a linear switch, stands out for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a medium-light 55g bottom-out. While the Ink Box Pink is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Windy Shadow is characterized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own unique features that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. 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
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink provides a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both housings focus on producing a distinct sound, but the INK blend leans towards a thinner and higher-pitched tone, while the polycarbonate material provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the transparency of the polycarbonate housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, giving it an edge in aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Ink Box Pink features the same INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow, on the other hand, brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper tones produced by the INK blend. This demonstrates how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Aflion Windy Shadow showcase the variety of sound profiles that can be achieved through different materials. While the INK blend housing of the Ink Box Pink offers a distinct high-pitched and clacky sound, the polycarbonate and nylon housings of the Windy Shadow create a sharper, crisper sound and a deeper, fuller sound, respectively. Understanding how the top and bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions based on their sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Gateron switch. This means that the Aflion Windy Shadow may feel easier to press than the Gateron Ink Box Pink for some users. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Windy Shadow could make it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the slightly heavier forces of the Ink Box Pink may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired level of resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the difference of 0.1mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Ink Box Pink or the Windy Shadow will depend on personal preference for the slight difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a neutral and low-pitched sound, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone while still maintaining a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. Depending on your preference for sound, the Ink Box Pink will give you a crisp and bright typing sound, while the Windy Shadow will offer a more mellow and balanced tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined feel when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its safe middle-ground characteristics. Both switches aim to enhance the overall smoothness of typing, with the Ink Box Pink focusing on a polished and sleek finish, while the Windy Shadow offers a more gentle and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch stands out for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile combined with a silky and polished typing feel, providing a unique and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a neutral and low-pitched sound with a mild and gentle typing feel, catering to users looking for a more balanced and comfortable typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom-out force and a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a smooth and lighter typing feel, perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced sound when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom-out force and a neutral, low-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch would be a great option. These switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a distinctive bounce from their extended spring, making them suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
