Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider their unique characteristics. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch with a shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its smoothness and clackiness, this switch is a great option for those seeking a balanced feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow, also a linear switch, offers a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce thanks to its extended spring. With a bottom-out force of 55g, these switches are comfortably medium-light. While both switches have their own strengths and qualities, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style. 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, which provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Windy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. While both materials offer a high-pitched sound profile, the INK blend may provide a slightly softer and less sharp sound compared to the polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become more apparent. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a similar high-pitched sound profile as the top housing, resulting in a cohesive sound experience when typing. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of overall performance, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Aflion Windy Shadow will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the INK blend providing a softer and more cohesive sound profile throughout, while the polycarbonate and nylon combination in the Windy Shadow offers a sharper top sound and a deeper bottom-out experience. Ultimately, users can expect a distinct typing experience with either switch, tailored to their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Ink Yellow has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, while the Aflion Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. However, the Gateron Ink Yellow also has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow's 55 grams. This makes the Aflion Windy Shadow a lighter option in terms of force required for both actuation and bottom out. The Gateron Ink Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Both switches will provide a consistent feel when typing or gaming due to their identical distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and overall typing experience with either switch. Despite any potential differences in other aspects of the switches, such as actuation force or sound level, their travel distance remains constant at 3.5 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow linear switch is described as having a neutral and clacky profile. This means that it provides a moderate sound with a crisp and sharp tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various typing scenarios. The actual sound produced will also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is characterized as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek typing experience. The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, on the other hand, is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, making them suitable for extended use.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a neutral and clacky sound profile with a mild and polished feel, while the Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a mild feel. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them versatile options for different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, opt for the Ink Yellow. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow would be a better choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a shorter travel distance and a smoother typing experience with a clacky sound, the Ink Yellow is the way to go. However, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Windy Shadow would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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