Durock Mamba vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Mamba and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Mamba, a linear switch, is known for its smooth typing experience and pleasant auditory feedback, while the Windy Shadow also a linear switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and comfortable 55g bottom-out weight. The Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished', whereas the Windy Shadow falls under 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Aflion Windy Shadow differ significantly in terms of sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The Mamba's top housing, made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, offers a bright and pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp. In contrast, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clearer and more resonant quality. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects, giving it an edge in terms of visual appeal compared to the Mamba's blend.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deep and muted sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller but richer sound profile compared to the more muted sound produced by POM. This contrast highlights how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience on a keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Aflion Windy Shadow will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic appeal. While the Mamba offers a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for a bright and pleasant sound, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound with added visual flair. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the typing experience, whether it's the impact on key press or the release of a key, demonstrating how housing materials can influence sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch differ slightly. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making the Windy Shadow the lighter of the two. Both switches have an unknown actuation force. The Mamba provides a medium typing experience, while the Windy Shadow offers a medium-light feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Windy Shadow, as it requires less force to bottom out. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Mamba may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Mamba and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This identical travel distance results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as they offer the same level of physical feedback and keypress sensation. The Mamba and Windy Shadow's equal travel distance makes them equally suitable options for individuals seeking a consistent and familiar typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral and thocky typing experience, producing a moderate yet satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, you can achieve a rich and creamy sound with the Mamba or a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with the Windy Shadow.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Durock Mamba linear switch boasts a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch also offers a mild typing experience, ensuring a gentle and comfortable feel for extended typing sessions. Whether you prefer a switch with a sleek finish like the Mamba or a comfortable medium-light feel like the Windy Shadows, both options deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch each have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. Choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound profile, typing experience, and typing force. However, both switches promise a pleasant typing experience, whether you prefer a gliding sensation and thocky sound with the Mamba or a distinctive bounce and low-pitched sound with the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent options for those seeking reliable linear switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a gliding typing sensation with a creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and sound preferences to ensure a satisfying typing experience every time.
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