Durock Lupine vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Lupine and the Aflion Windy Shadow, both linear switches. The Lupine is renowned for its two-stage long springs, offering a unique typing experience with a consistent weight distribution on the press down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. With a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is making a name for itself with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out feel. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Windy Shadow offers a different typing experience compared to the Lupine. 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
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Two-stage long spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is evident that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities and aesthetics from both the Lupine and the Windy Shadow's top housings.
However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material used for the Lupine and the Windy Shadow. While the Lupine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, the Windy Shadow also employs nylon for its bottom housing. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and fullness, as the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, even though the top housings of the Durock Lupine and the Aflion Windy Shadow are identical in material and characteristics, the differences in their bottom housings can affect the overall typing experience. Users may find that the Lupine offers a sharper and crisper sound on key release due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Windy Shadow provides a deeper, fuller sound on key press and bottom out thanks to its nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel, making them suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking specific typing experiences.
Weight
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both have an actuation force of None grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lupine has a heavier force of 62 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's lighter force of 55 grams. This makes the Lupine better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Windy Shadow is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their bottom out force, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Windy Shadow for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress feeling may opt for the Lupine with its longer travel distance. In general, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant for most users, and both options could provide a similar typing experience depending on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a high-pitched and classic clacky sound profile, making it suitable for users who prefer a sharp and crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving users a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Lupine delivering a more pronounced sound and the Windy Shadow offering a smoother and more subtle sound experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Lupine and the Windy Shadow switches are described as providing a mild typing experience, ensuring that users can comfortably type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. Additionally, the Lupine switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction, while the Windy Shadow switch offers a comfortable medium-light bottom-out force of 55g. Both switches offer a safe middle-ground feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users regardless of typing style or preference.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Lupine provides a high-pitched clacky sound and a polished typing experience, the Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a comfortable bottom-out force. Both switches excel in providing a mild typing experience, making them versatile options for users seeking a reliable and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and overall typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams and enjoy a classic clacky sound profile with a more powerful upward movement during rebound, then the Lupine may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from the extended spring, then the Windy Shadow may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound characteristics.
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