Haimu Neo White vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Haimu Neo White and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, both stand out for their smooth actuation and medium weight. The Neo White offers a slightly reduced total travel and features a ly stem for a uniquely smooth typing experience, categorized as mild and neutral. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light feel at a 55g bottom-out, categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral. Each switch offers its own benefits, making them both appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's delve 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
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Haimu Neo White and the Aflion Windy Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent and vibrant sound experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Neo White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience to that of the Neo White. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing sound and feel.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both the Neo White and the Windy Shadow offer a unique typing experience that combines the sharpness of polycarbonate with the depth and fullness of nylon. Users can expect a consistent and enjoyable typing experience from both switches, with subtle variations in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an actuation force of None grams, making them identical in this aspect. However, the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium weight, while the Windy Shadow has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, considered medium-light. The difference in bottom out force suggests that the Windy Shadow may offer a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Neo White. Overall, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Windy Shadow, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Neo White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Neo White offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more depth in the keystroke compared to the Windy Shadow. However, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the feel of the keystrokes during typing or gaming.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
Overall, both the Haimu Neo White and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches are known for their mild feel, making them approachable to most users. The Neo White offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium weight and reduced total travel distance, thanks to its unique Ly stem. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow provides a distinctive bounce from its extended spring and a comfortable 55g bottom-out weight.
In terms of sound, the Neo White is considered to have a neutral profile, suitable for various environments and user preferences. In comparison, the Windy Shadow is noted for its low-pitched sound, giving off a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The choice of keycaps and keyboard board can also influence the sound produced by these switches.
If you are looking for a linear switch with a mild feel, both the Neo White and Windy Shadow would provide similar results in terms of typing comfort. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference for sound profile and any additional features that may sway your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider choosing the Neo White if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a smoother typing experience with a distinct feel. On the other hand, opt for the Windy Shadow if you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a neutral sound profile with a bit of bounce from the extended spring. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, but the Neo White has a slightly heavier bottom-out force at 58 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's 55 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preference for actuation force and sound profile.
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