Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lunar Probe is renowned for its stable and consistent keypresses thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism, providing an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion offers a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, making it comfortable at a 55g bottom-out weight. While the Lunar Probe excels in smoothness and consistency, the Windy Shadow stands out for its medium-light feel and unique sound profile. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Double-staged spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Aflion Windy Shadow, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the switches differ in their nylon bottom housing. The Lunar Probe and the Windy Shadow both use nylon for their bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics.
However, the differences in housing materials between the Lunar Probe and Windy Shadow become more apparent when considering the impact on typing experience. The split qualities of the top and bottom housing in a switch mean that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that despite both switches having nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, the distinction in top housing material - polycarbonate for the Lunar Probe and the Windy Shadow - will lead to variations in the overall typing experience for the user.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Aflion Windy Shadow share similarities in having polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing that affects the typing experience. The Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a rounder sound. These distinctions in housing materials demonstrate how subtle variations can impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force, making the Lunar Probe easier to type on for extended periods. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Lunar Probe requiring 50 grams and the Windy Shadow needing 55 grams. This means that while the Windy Shadow may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, both switches offer a relatively light typing feel overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience. The Lunar Probe may provide a slightly deeper key press feel compared to the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the desired level of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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
Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lunar Probe provides a smooth and pre-lubed linear experience with a subtle sound profile, while the Windy Shadow offers a neutrally-pitched sound and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. The feel of the Lunar Probe is yet to be specified, while the Windy Shadow is described as mild and approachable to most users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a smoother linear switch with a subtle sound, the Lunar Probe may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a neutrally-pitched sound and a mild typing experience, the Windy Shadow could be the better option for you. Both switches promise a stable and consistent keypress, so you can expect reliable performance from either choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a light linear switch with stable and consistent keypresses and a smooth, pre-lubed sensation, the Gateron Lunar Probe would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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