Cherry Nixie vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is important to consider their unique features and characteristics. The Cherry Nixie is renowned for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to Cherry's updated materials and springs from the MX2A update. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, with a lighter 55g bottom-out. While the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Windy Shadow is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own appeal and strengths, catering to different preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the Aflion Windy Shadow both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the top housing material differs between the two switches; the Nixie features a nylon top housing while the Windy Shadow uses polycarbonate. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While the bottom housing material of the Cherry Nixie and the Aflion Windy Shadow is the same, their top housing materials offer contrasting sound profiles. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. However, the Nixie's nylon top housing creates a more subdued and rounder sound, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant tone. The choice of housing material impacts not only the sound profile but also the aesthetics of the switch, with the translucent polycarbonate of the Windy Shadow allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects.
When the top and bottom housing materials of a switch differ, the qualities each material brings will be noticeable in different aspects of typing. The Cherry Nixie and the Aflion Windy Shadow demonstrate this with their contrasting housing materials. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials allows for a diverse range of sound profiles and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a higher actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Cherry Nixie also requires a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, whereas the Windy Shadow has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Cherry Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel throughout the keystroke, while the Windy Shadow offers a lighter touch with less pressure required overall. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Windy Shadow for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier forces of the Cherry Nixie for a more tactile and substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear 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 Windy Shadow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Nixie. The slight difference in travel distance may not be significant to all users, but for those who prefer a more responsive key press, the Windy Shadow may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press may find the Nixie more satisfying. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, and choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Cherry Nixie linear switch is characterized by its thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and rich typing experience with a satisfying "thud" when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, creating a more mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of typing environments. While both switches offer low-pitched tones, the Nixie may provide a deeper and more substantial sound compared to the Windy Shadow.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured typing experience, offering noticeable friction when pressed. This tactile feedback can be preferred by some users who enjoy a more distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, offering a smoother and more approachable feel for most users. The Windy Shadow's characteristics fall into a safe middle-ground zone, making it a versatile option for a wide range of preferences.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches provide low-pitched sound profiles, the Nixie may offer a deeper and more substantial typing experience compared to the Windy Shadow. Additionally, the Nixie's textured feel contrasts with the Windy Shadow's mild and gentle typing experience. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a heavier typing experience, the Cherry Nixie with its 80g bottom-out force would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Aflion Windy Shadow with its 55g bottom-out force would be more comfortable for you. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of the switches. The Cherry Nixie provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel, while the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and which characteristics align best with your typing style.
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