Outemu Blue Jade vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and the Aflion Windy Shadow stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying tactile feedback and audible click sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without the clicky noise. If you prefer a switch with a tactile bump and audible feedback, the Blue Jade may be the way to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Aflion Windy Shadow might be more up your alley. 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
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Aflion Windy Shadow differ primarily in their top housing composition. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Windy Shadow incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing choice for those looking to enhance their keyboard aesthetics. While both materials have their unique sound characteristics, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound preference and visual appeal.
Conversely, the bottom housing materials of the Blue Jade and Windy Shadow share the same nylon construction. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound, providing a consistent typing experience across both models. While the bottom housing may not have as significant of an impact on the overall sound as the top housing, the nylon material ensures a reliable and familiar typing sensation for users of either switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of a keyboard. The contrasting qualities of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing of the Blue Jade and Windy Shadow highlight the impact that material composition can have on sound characteristics. Whether it be the soft and absorbent nature of nylon or the clear and resonant properties of polycarbonate, each material offers its unique benefits to users seeking specific typing experiences. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Jade and Windy Shadow will come down to individual preferences in sound profile, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Jade has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Windy Shadow has a medium-light actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a lighter typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Windy Shadow would be the ideal choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more satisfying typing experience, the Blue Jade would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we can see that the Blue Jade has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Windy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Blue Jade the longer of the two switches. The Blue Jade's 4.0mm travel distance offers a more traditional key press feel, while the Windy Shadow's 3.5mm travel distance is slightly shallower. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the Windy Shadow's shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Blue Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its loud and tactile click with a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to the Blue Jade. The Windy Shadow's sound is suitable for various environments and preferences, making it a versatile option for users looking for a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is recognized for its tactile feedback and pronounced bump during actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a clicky switch. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, with a smooth and consistent feel throughout the keystroke. The Windy Shadow's mild characteristics make it a comfortable choice for users who prefer a more subtle tactile sensation while typing.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Blue Jade excels in providing a loud and tactile typing experience with a high-pitched sound, ideal for users who prefer a clicky switch with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a more neutral and low-pitched sound, paired with a mild and gentle feel, making it a versatile option for users seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and a distinctive typing experience, the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and a more neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow could be the better option. Keep in mind your typing habits, environment, and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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