Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, several key differences and similarities emerge. The Keygeek Raw is renowned for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce due to its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out weight. While the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Windy Shadow is classified as low-pitched, mild, and neutral. Overall, the Keygeek Raw may appeal to enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches, while the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a comfortable typing experience with its medium-light bottom-out weight. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, while the Aflion Windy Shadow is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing. The Nylon & UPE blend of the Keygeek Raw creates a unique sound profile, offering a softer and more muted typing experience compared to the sharper, crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
In terms of bottom housings, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a UMPE & Si blend, while the Aflion Windy Shadow incorporates a nylon bottom housing. The UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw results in a different typing experience compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the UMPE & Si blend offers a more balanced typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and the Aflion Windy Shadow contribute to the unique sound profiles and typing experiences of each switch. While the two switches may offer different sound profiles due to their housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users. Whether it be the softer, fuller sound of nylon or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, users can expect distinct typing experiences based on the housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Windy Shadow's 55 grams. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, making them equal in that aspect. The Keygeek Raw provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier bottom out force, while the Windy Shadow offers a lighter touch, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Windy Shadow slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the Keygeek Raw. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value quick response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Keygeek Raw providing a slightly shallower press compared to the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, while the Windy Shadow switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. This difference in sound profiles means that users can select the switch that best fits their preference, with the Keygeek Raw offering a more versatile option and the Windy Shadow providing a more distinctive and soothing sound experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Raw switch is known for its textured feel right out of the box, offering a slightly frictional typing experience that some users may find appealing. In contrast, the Windy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. While the Keygeek Raw switch leans towards a more textured and subtle feel, the Windy Shadow switch offers a smoother and more neutral typing experience, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Raw and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. Users who prioritize versatility and slightly textured feel may prefer the Keygeek Raw switch, while those who prefer a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience may opt for the Windy Shadow switch. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options that cater to different preferences, so users can expect similar results in terms of performance and overall satisfaction from either choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the following factors. If you value a slightly textured and lightweight feel along with a neutral sound profile, the Keygeek Raw may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound and a comfortable medium-light bottom-out force, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for switch material, sound profile, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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