PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, a linear switch by KTT, stands out for its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force, making it perfect for fatigue-free typing. Its clacky sound signature and extended 22mm spring provide a bouncy sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer a neutral sound profile with a 55g bottom-out force, striking a balance between comfort and responsiveness. While the Jacaranda leans towards a higher-pitched and resonant feel, the Windy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched and mild. Both switches have their unique characteristics that appeal to different users. 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
39g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Aflion Windy Shadow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the two keyboards differ in their bottom housing material, with the Jacaranda using nylon and the Windy Shadow also opting for nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite having the same top housing material of polycarbonate, the differences in bottom housing material between the Jacaranda and the Windy Shadow lead to variations in the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt more prominently when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. While both keyboards offer a distinct typing experience with their choice of materials, the similarities in polycarbonate top housing reflect a shared emphasis on creating a sharp and resonant sound profile.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Aflion Windy Shadow showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards. While both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing to achieve a clear and sharp sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material highlights the impact of material choice on the overall typing experience. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound produced by nylon bottom housings or the crisper sound facilitated by polycarbonate top housings, each material contributes uniquely to the auditory and tactile feedback of the keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the Jacaranda and the Windy Shadow may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. Both switches have bottom out forces, with the Jacaranda having a lighter 45 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's heavier 55 grams. Those who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Jacaranda, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Windy Shadow. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel of a switch.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a consistent travel distance of 3.5 mm from the top to the bottom. This uniformity in travel distance ensures a similar typing experience and feel for both switches. With their identical travel distances, users can expect consistent performance and feedback whether using the Jacaranda or the Windy Shadow linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that provides a sharp and percussive feedback with each press. This can create a crisp and bright auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch presents a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Jacaranda. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharpness of the Jacaranda or the mellowness of the Windy Shadow.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This can enhance the overall typing feel and provide a comfortable experience for users. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Jacaranda focusing on smoothness and the Windy Shadow on a neutral feel.
Overall, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jacaranda excels in producing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing feel, while the Windy Shadow provides a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a fatigue-free and comfortable typing experience, ultimately offering users a selection of options to suit their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force, a bouncy sensation, and a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force, a neutral sound profile, and a mild typing feel, the Windy Shadow could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing performance. Choose wisely based on what attributes matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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