Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, a tactile switch, and the Aflion Windy Shadow, a linear switch. The NovelKeys Blueberry is favored for its sharp tactile bump, giving typists a satisfying and precise feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from their extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
3.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it's clear that they offer different sound profiles due to their respective materials. The Blueberry's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profile is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to POM, which affects the resonance and clarity of the sound produced by the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM bottom housing mirrors the sound profile of its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. The difference in sound quality between the two switches is further emphasized by the material used in their respective bottom housings, highlighting the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
While the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Aflion Windy Shadow differ in their housing materials, both switches showcase how the choice of material can significantly impact the sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether it's the POM top housing of the Blueberry or the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow, each material contributes to a unique typing experience. Similarly, the POM and nylon bottom housings of the Blueberry and Windy Shadow, respectively, showcase how different materials can influence the overall sound and feel of a switch, highlighting the importance of housing materials in creating a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, with the actuation force not specified. This makes the Windy Shadow a more medium-light option compared to the heavier NovelKeys Blueberry. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Windy Shadow more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while users who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the NovelKeys Blueberry for a more satisfying typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Blueberry switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow switch. The NovelKeys Blueberry provides a bit more depth when pressed down, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offers a lower-pitched and resonant typing experience, giving a deep yet clean sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow provides a neutral and low-pitched sound, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on whether you prefer a sharper or more mellow typing sound.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry is known for its snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff characteristics, providing a tactile and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow is described as offering a milder typing experience, falling in a comfortable middle-ground zone suitable for most users. While the Blueberry switch offers a more textured and invigorating feel, the Windy Shadow provides a gentler typing sensation, making it a great option for those who prefer a less pronounced switch feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blueberry switch provides a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, while the Windy Shadow offers a neutral sound profile and a comfortable 55g bottom-out weight. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them suitable for different users and typing preferences, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on whether you prefer a sharper, more textured typing experience or a milder, more neutral one.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, your choice will ultimately come down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavy tactile bump with a lower-than-average sound frequency, then the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a distinctive bounce and a neutral sound profile, then the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the ideal option. Consider the feel and sound characteristics that align with your typing preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose wisely based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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