Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Aflion Windy Shadow, both linear switches. The North Pole V2 is praised for its gummy and creamy typing experience, with a subdued and bouncy feel that is polished in every keystroke. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow stands out for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, offering a mild and low-pitched typing experience at a comfortable 55g bottom-out weight. While the North Pole V2 is known for its chewy typing feel, the Windy Shadow provides a smoother and lighter 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
50g
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
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Gateron North Pole V2 and Aflion Windy Shadow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the overall design. However, while both switches share this common top housing material, the bottom housing material sets them apart.
The North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing for a consistent sound profile throughout the switch's operation. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining its sound profile and feel. While both the Gateron North Pole V2 and Aflion Windy Shadow share polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, their choice of bottom housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, imparts unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, understanding the impact of housing materials can help you select a switch that aligns with your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, the actuation forces and bottom out forces play a significant role in their performance. The North Pole V2 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more medium-light in comparison. The difference in weight between the two switches can impact typing endurance and the overall typing feel. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Windy Shadow for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier actuation force of the North Pole V2 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The North Pole V2 offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, with the North Pole V2 leaning towards a deeper key press and the Windy Shadow providing a quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound profile when pressed, providing a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch features a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches offer a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences, with the North Pole V2 providing a deeper and muted sound while the Windy Shadow offers a more moderate and balanced tone.
When it comes to feel, the North Pole V2 is best known for its gummy and creamy typing experience, giving a unique sensation of bottoming out on a trampoline or gummy bear while also offering a smooth and buttery feel. Additionally, it provides a bouncy and polished typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback and a sleek key travel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users, making it a comfortable choice for everyday typing tasks. Overall, both switches provide different tactile sensations that cater to various preferences, with the North Pole V2 offering a more dynamic and lively feel while the Windy Shadow provides a more subtle and gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the North Pole V2 provides a deeper and more dynamic sound along with a gummy and bouncy typing experience, the Windy Shadow offers a more balanced and neutral sound profile with a mild and gentle typing feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prefer a more subdued and deep sound with a gummy and bouncy feel or a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild typing experience, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron North Pole V2 and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches, consider your preferred bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a gummy, creamy, bouncy, or polished typing feel with a subdued sound profile, then the North Pole V2 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy a mild typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the Aflion Windy Shadow switch could be the more suitable option for your preferences. Ultimately, your choice should come down to what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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