Gateron Ink Red vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches stand out as notable options. The Gateron Ink Red is praised for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. With a smooth and satisfying feel, along with a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Ink Reds offer an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches, known for their neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from an extended spring, provide a comfortable medium-light typing experience at a 55g bottom-out. While the Ink Red leans towards being silky and polished, the Windy Shadow is characterized by its low-pitched sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is clear that the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, but the INK blend may be preferred for its slightly less sharp sound compared to the polycarbonate. However, if RGB lighting is a priority, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Windy Shadow would be the better choice.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing shares similar characteristics to its top housing, providing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Although both materials offer unique sound profiles, the rounded sound of the nylon may appeal to those seeking a more muffled typing experience compared to the more pronounced sound of the INK blend.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and the Aflion Windy Shadow will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the INK blend offers a thinner, clacky sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow provides a sharper and clearer sound suited for RGB lighting. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow creates a softer and deeper sound compared to the high-pitched profile of the INK blend. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch's actuation force is unknown. The bottom out force of the Ink Red is 60 grams, whereas the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Ink Red is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Windy Shadow. This means that the Ink Red will provide a firmer typing experience compared to the Windy Shadow. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Windy Shadow would be the better choice, while the Ink Red would be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel. Both switches provide a medium to medium-light typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of weight and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Windy Shadow the shorter of the two switches. The Ink Red falls into the more traditional category with its 4 mm distance, while the Windy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Windy Shadow with its shorter distance, while those who enjoy a deeper press may lean towards the Ink Red. Both switches offer a unique feel in terms of travel distance, so ultimately the choice will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a bit of a chirpy characteristic, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches, also featuring a neutral sound profile. Depending on your preference and setup, you can expect a slightly different auditory experience between the two switches.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Ink Red and Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. The Ink Red is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Meanwhile, the Windy Shadow's extended spring adds a distinctive bounce to the typing experience, making it comfortably medium-light and suitable for those seeking a middle-ground typing sensation.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a lighter actuation force and a crisp, clacky sound, the Gateron Ink Red is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound and a comfortable medium-light feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow may better suit your preferences. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, crisp typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from the extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow may be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and sound preferences.
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