Durock Light Tactile vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a smooth typing experience with a distinctive sound signature. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer a neutral sound profile and a satisfying bounce due to their extended spring design. While the Light Tactile switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Windy Shadow switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. Deciding between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference 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
52g
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 Light Tactile and Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the light to shine through. However, the Light Tactile distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing, which also absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound.
When comparing the housing materials of the Light Tactile and Windy Shadow, it is evident that the polycarbonate top housings offer similar qualities in both switches. The use of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound profile, making them both ideal choices for those seeking a sharper sound. However, the bottom housings provide a point of differentiation between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing in the Light Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a duller tone.
In conclusion, while the Light Tactile and Windy Shadow share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the choice of nylon bottom housing sets them apart. The Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch provides a unique typing experience, with the top and bottom housings each playing a role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch with an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Light Tactile is heavier at 67 grams, whereas the Windy Shadow has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Light Tactile will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Windy Shadow will offer a lighter typing experience allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Light Tactile being heavier and the Windy Shadow being lighter in terms of force required for typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile 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 means that the Light Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a deeper keypress may lean towards the Light Tactile switch, while those who prefer a quicker response time may opt for the Windy Shadow switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing feel due to their slight variance in travel distance length, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we can observe notable differences in both sound and feel. The Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile with a gentle tactility that provides a jelly-like sound signature, making typing on it a pleasant experience. In contrast, the Windy Shadow switch produces a low-pitched sound with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, offering a unique auditory feedback. In terms of feel, both switches are described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
Overall, while the Light Tactile and Windy Shadow switches differ in their sound profiles, they both offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with their mild tactility. Whether you prefer the neutral sound and gentle tactility of the Light Tactile or the low-pitched sound and distinctive bounce of the Windy Shadow, both switches are suitable options for users looking for a medium-light switch with a comfortable feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches, consider the level of tactility and sound profile you prefer. If you enjoy a softer, more gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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