Dareu Master vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Master and Aflion Windy Shadow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Master switch from Dareu is renowned for its medium weight and classic clacky sound signature, coupled with exceptional smoothness during operation. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light feel with a 55g bottom-out. While the Master switch leans towards a more polished and clacky typing experience, the Windy Shadow offers a mild and neutral feel. Ultimately, choosing between these 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer distinct sound profiles and feels. The Master's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Master's POM bottom housing also provides a deeper sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller sound due to its softer nature.
Although both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they each contribute to the overall typing experience in unique ways. The POM top housing of the Master emphasizes a pleasing and unique sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow adds a deeper tone to the bottom-out sound. The stiffer polycarbonate used in the Windy Shadow's top housing creates a crisper and higher-pitched sound when typing, while the softer nature of the nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Master and the Aflion Windy Shadow comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the POM and polycarbonate housings offer different sound profiles, the overall typing experience will be influenced by both the top and bottom housings. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper, fuller sound with a rounder feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force of the Master switch is unknown. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Master switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Windy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of actuation force, users can expect a lighter feel with the Master switch and a medium-light feel with the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Master has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Windy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference between the two switches is negligible, as the variation in travel distance is minimal. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quick response times. The slight variation in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, so in terms of travel distance, the Dareu Master and Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch has a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a more bass-heavy and neutral tone. Depending on personal preference, the Master switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a classic and bright sound, while the Windy Shadow switch may appeal to individuals looking for a mellower and more neutral acoustic experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Dareu Master and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches are described as offering a mild typing experience. The Master switch is known for its gentle and approachable typing feel, falling into a safe middle-ground zone for most users. Additionally, it is highlighted for its polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. Similarly, the Windy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. With both switches falling into the mild category, users can expect a consistent and pleasant typing feel from either option.
Considering all the available information, the Dareu Master linear switch and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch each have their unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Master switch offers a clacky sound and a polished feel, the Windy Shadow switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. Users can expect quality performance from either switch option, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a classic clacky sound signature, the Dareu Master switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch could be the right choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and the type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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