Cherry MX Brown vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, we can see a clear distinction between a tactile switch and a linear switch. The MX Brown is known for its subtle tactility and relatively light typing experience, providing gentle feedback with low-pitched and bassy sounds. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a linear typing experience with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, neutral sound profile, and medium-light 55g bottom-out. Both switches have their own advantages, with the MX Brown excelling in tactile feedback and the Windy Shadow in a neutral typing experience. 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
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow, we see that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the inherent softness of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches provides a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing materials. The Cherry MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when it comes to using RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, while both switches offer a tactile typing experience with nylon bottom housing, the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch.
In terms of overall typing experience, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and Aflion Windy Shadow will come down to personal preference regarding sound. If you prefer a deeper and rounder sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown with its nylon top and bottom housing would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with the added benefit of RGB lighting, the Aflion Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing would be more suitable. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the choice between the two will ultimately be determined by the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it can be seen that the MX Brown requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. Both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them equal in that regard. The MX Brown is considered medium-light in terms of actuation force, providing a satisfying tactile feedback for typists. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's actuation force is not specified, but it also has a medium-light bottom out force. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Brown for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the potential heavier feel of the Windy Shadow for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Aflion Windy Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Brown. The Cherry MX Brown falls into the more traditional range of 4.0mm, while the Windy Shadow is on the shallower end at 3.5mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Windy Shadow a popular choice for gaming setups. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress and a deeper feel, the Cherry MX Brown with its longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Cherry MX Brown switches offer a bassy and low-pitched tone during key presses, creating a deeper and richer sound profile compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches provide a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various intents and user preferences. Ultimately, both switches will offer a pleasant typing experience with their unique sound characteristics, and the choice between them would depend on individual preference for sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their textured feel, providing a noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can be preferred by some users who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing. On the contrary, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide different tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their needs.
Overall, the Cherry MX Brown switches and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Cherry MX Browns provide a subtler typing experience with a bassy sound profile and textured feel, while the Aflion Windy Shadows offer a neutral sound profile with a mild typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound, tactility, and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to find the one that best suits their needs. With both switches offering unique qualities, users can expect similar levels of quality and performance regardless of their choice between the Cherry MX Brown and Aflion Windy Shadow switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a linear switch with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a medium-light typing experience with a 55g bottom-out force, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you value most when making your decision.
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