Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, one can see distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The MX Speed Silver offers a rapid response time due to its linear action and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick inputs. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a comfortable 55g bottom-out, appealing to users looking for a smoother 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 Speed Silver and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is clear that they both use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon bottom housings. However, the Windy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a preferred choice for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the MX Speed Silver and the Windy Shadow share the use of nylon for their bottom housings. This means that when typing on switches made with these materials, the deep and full sound profile associated with nylon will be present in both keyboards. However, the impact of the top housing material will be noticeable when letting go of a key, as the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow will provide a sharper and crisper sound compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Aflion Windy Shadow can come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The MX Speed Silver's nylon housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate housing will offer a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow makes it a visually appealing option for those looking to enhance their keyboard with RGB lighting. Ultimately, both keyboards offer quality housing materials that contribute to a unique typing experience.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring only 30 grams to register a keystroke, whereas the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Windy Shadow is heavier with a 55-gram bottom out force compared to the MX Speed Silver's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Windy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience, while the MX Speed Silver allows for quicker and lighter keystrokes. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Speed Silver, while those who prefer a heavier push may opt for the Windy Shadow for a more substantial typing feel. Regardless of the differences in force, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer shorter travel distances compared to traditional switches, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. The MX Speed Silver will provide a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, making it the preferred choice for those looking for maximum responsiveness. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a slightly deeper key press, which may be more comfortable for users who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 MX Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch also offers a low-pitched sound but with a more neutral profile, making it suitable for various settings and individuals. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing sound, but the MX Speed Silver may offer a deeper and more pronounced auditory feedback.
Moving on to feel, the MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its textured feel, which can provide a bit of resistance and tactile feedback when pressed. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle and approachable feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing feel, but the MX Speed Silver may offer a slightly more noticeable texture during use.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches have their unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The MX Speed Silver excels in providing a thocky and textured typing experience, ideal for gamers seeking rapid response and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a more neutral and mild feel, suitable for a wider range of users and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user, but rest assured that both switches will deliver a solid linear typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches, it comes down to your specific preferences and use case scenarios. If you prioritize speed and quick response times, especially for gaming where milliseconds matter, the MX Speed Silver would be the ideal choice with its instant triggering and low spring resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a comfortable typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch would be more suitable. Consider the type of user experience you are looking for, whether it be for intense gaming sessions or daily typing tasks, to make the best decision for your personal needs.
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