Durock Koala vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer unique experiences for users with differing preferences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between a satisfying keystroke without being too overwhelming. It features a stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without covering the entire keystroke, offering a satisfying typing experience with a bit of resonance. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is a linear switch known for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring. At a 55g bottom-out, these switches are comfortably medium-light, making them a great choice for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. 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
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala 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 the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity in the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. While both switches offer similar attributes in their polycarbonate top housing, the Koala's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing, which also absorbs sound effectively but creates a rounder and duller tone.
The split housing construction of the switches means that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are distinct in their impact on the overall typing experience. When pressing down on the switches, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing the distinctive sharpness and clarity associated with polycarbonate. Both switches offer a unique blend of materials that contribute to their individual sound profiles, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
In terms of material composition, the Durock Koala and the Aflion Windy Shadow share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, offering a consistent sharp and clear sound profile. However, the difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches results in varying sound characteristics, with the Koala's nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials allows for subtle variations in sound quality and tactility between the two switches, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's 55 grams, making the Koala the heavier option. The actuation force for both switches is not provided, making it difficult to determine which one requires a lighter touch. However, it can be assumed that since the Windy Shadow has a lighter bottom out force, it may also have a lighter actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Windy Shadow, as it offers a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Koala provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Koala offering a heavier option and the Windy Shadow providing a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile 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 option compared to the Koala. The Koala's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper press feel, whereas the Windy Shadow's 3.5 mm distance is slightly shorter, providing a quicker response. Gamers may prefer the Windy Shadow for its shorter travel distance, resulting in faster reaction times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Koala. Both switches offer unique travel distances, catering to different preferences, with the Windy Shadow being the shorter option and the Koala offering a slightly longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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, both the Durock Koala and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches are described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that they provide a bass-heavy and mellow tone while also offering a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes them suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced, and whether they are using the switches at home or in a work setting. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is known for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff characteristics. This means that it offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switch provides a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle, and the keystroke feels like it has two stages with some pre-travel and post-travel. Additionally, the switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the Koala provides a more pronounced bump and a stiffer keystroke, the Windy Shadow offers a comfortable medium-light feel with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. Both switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for a variety of typing needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for tactility, noise levels, and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should opt for the Koala if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a polished, accented, and stepped tactile feel with low-pitched, neutral sound characteristics. The Koalas strike a balance between tactility and smoothness, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a mild linear feel with low-pitched, neutral sound characteristics, the Windy Shadows are the way to go. These switches offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, making them great for everyday use. Ultimately, your choice between the Koala and the Windy Shadow will depend on your preference for tactile or linear switches and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Consider these factors carefully to ensure you find the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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