Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Red is a linear switch that boasts a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, making it a top choice for those who value consistency in typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow, also a linear switch, stands out with its distinctive bounce from an extended spring and a comfortable medium-light bottom-out at 55g. Both switches offer qualities such as a neutral sound profile and a mild feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and Aflion Windy Shadow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. As a result, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and appearance.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Jupiter Red uses nylon while the Windy Shadow also opts for nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Therefore, both the Jupiter Red and the Windy Shadow offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Aflion Windy Shadow results in a well-balanced sound profile. While the top housing influences the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing has a larger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, whether you choose the Jupiter Red or the Windy Shadow, you can expect a harmonious typing experience with a balance of sharpness and depth in sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The Jupiter Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Windy Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Windy Shadow is lighter at 55 grams, while the Jupiter Red requires 60 grams to bottom out. This makes the Windy Shadow feel slightly lighter in terms of typing pressure. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Windy Shadow may be the better choice, as it requires less force both for actuation and bottoming out. In contrast, the Jupiter Red offers a slightly heavier typing feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Jupiter Red being on the longer side and the Windy Shadow being slightly shorter. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the Windy Shadow with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Jupiter Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of uses, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched, mellow tone that is also considered neutral, making it suitable for different typing preferences. Both switches are versatile in their sound profiles, offering a pleasant typing experience depending on individual preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Red is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, with a silky sensation that enhances smoothness and reduces friction during key presses. The switch provides a refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of typing, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable overall feel during use.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the Jupiter Red focuses on a polished and creamy feel with a neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow provides a mild and gentle typing experience with a low-pitched sound. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience, as both switches are designed to provide a seamless and consistent performance for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium actuation force and a smooth, consistent typing experience with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light actuation force with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring and a neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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