Durock Medium Tactile vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, offering a comfortable medium-light typing feel. While the Medium Tactile is categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Windy Shadow falls into the categories of 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable choices for different preferences. 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
65g
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 Medium Tactile and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches with RGB lighting, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. In this aspect, both switches provide similar qualities in terms of sound profile and visual appeal.
On the other hand, the differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. While the Durock Medium Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, the Aflion Windy Shadow also utilizes a nylon bottom housing with similar acoustic qualities. Typing on these switches will elicit a rounder and duller sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Therefore, in terms of sound experience, both switches provide a comparable typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Aflion Windy Shadow results in switches that offer a balance of sharp, crisp sound and deep, full-bodied sound during typing. While the top housing affects the sound when the key is released, the bottom housing has more impact on the sound when the key is pressed down. Both switches provide a unique typing experience that combines the best of both worlds in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Aflion Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. The actuation force for both switches is not specified. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aflion Windy Shadow would be the better choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile would be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Windy Shadow switch the shorter option compared to the Medium Tactile switch. The difference may seem small, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Medium Tactile switch. Both switches offer their own unique feel and performance, so ultimately the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 it comes to sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature with a pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more bass-heavy and mellow tone without being too overpowering. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Medium Tactile having a more pronounced tactile feedback in its auditory output compared to the Windy Shadow's more subdued linear sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing a tactile typing experience that is prominent yet refined and approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback. While the Medium Tactile switch provides a more varied tactile experience with its accented and stepped qualities, the Windy Shadow switch offers a consistent and mild typing feel that prioritizes comfort and ease of use.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile and Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to users with varying preferences in tactile feedback and auditory experience. While the Medium Tactile switch is known for its pronounced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, the Windy Shadow switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a comfortable typing feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the distinct characteristics of each switch to achieve a typing experience that meets their specific needs and preferences, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a great choice for you. Its pronounced yet balanced tactility, along with its jelly-like sound signature, provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow would be a suitable option. With its comfortable 55g bottom-out force and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, you can enjoy a smooth and consistent typing experience. Consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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