Everglide Oreo vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Everglide Oreo is praised for its crisp tactile bump at the top, providing a satisfying keystroke experience with a cushioned bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, offering a comfortable medium-light typing experience. While the Oreo is categorized as having an 'Accented', 'Chirpy', 'Stepped' profile, the Windy Shadow is labeled as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. 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
55g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Oreo and Aflion Windy Shadow, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. It is also great for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant profile of polycarbonate.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both keyboards allows for a similar sound experience, with sharp, higher-pitched tones that create a clear and resonant sound profile. This material is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting and providing an aesthetically pleasing experience. However, where the keyboards differ is in the bottom housing material. The Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the trend of sharp and clear sounds, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with a rounder tone. This contrast in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with the Oreo focusing more on clarity and sharpness, while the Windy Shadow leans towards a richer, more absorbent sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Oreo and Aflion Windy Shadow may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. Both keyboards offer the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. However, the differing bottom housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon provide unique characteristics in sound output, with the Oreo offering a clearer bottom-out sound and the Windy Shadow providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound or a deeper, more absorbent tone, both keyboards offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we find that the Oreo has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Windy Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light in that aspect. The Oreo offers a more consistent force throughout the keystroke, while the Windy Shadow's actuation force remains a mystery. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Oreo for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a slightly more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Windy Shadow despite its unknown actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch which has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Oreo provides a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster key actuation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages, so choosing between them will come down to individual preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a subtle, mellow sound profile with a chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from others. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. While the Oreo's sound is described as chirpy, the Windy Shadow's sound is characterized by its neutral tone suitable for various purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers an accented and stepped sensation, providing a medium tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This unique feel gives users a satisfying keystroke experience without being too intense. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. With its safe middle-ground qualities, the Windy Shadow provides a comfortable typing experience without being too pronounced.
Overall, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Oreo provides a chirpy sound and a balanced tactile feedback, the Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance for users seeking a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium-light actuation force. The crisp tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned bottom-out provides a satisfying keystroke while typing. Additionally, the subtle and mellow sound profile of the Oreo switch can enhance your typing experience without being too distracting. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch would be more suitable for you if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience. With a 55g bottom-out force, these switches offer a comfortable medium-light feel that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth linear typing experience in your mechanical keyboard.
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