Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch known for its smoothness, while the Windy Shadow emerges as a noteworthy linear switch option from Aflion. The Crystal Brown provides a tactile bump for improved typing feedback, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce due to its extended spring, making it ideal for those who value a smooth key press. The Crystal Brown falls under the category of tactile switches, while the Windy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Crystal Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a clear and resonant sound, making these switches ideal for those who prefer a more distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the overall keyboard aesthetic.
On the other hand, both switches also utilize nylon bottom housings, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing experience. With the qualities of the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key, users can expect a well-rounded typing experience with a combination of sharpness and depth in sound.
While the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow differ in terms of their top and bottom housings, the overall result is a balance of sharpness and depth in sound. Both polycarbonate and nylon bring distinct characteristics to the switches, providing users with a variety of auditory and tactile sensations while typing. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile with clear housing or a deeper sound profile with softer housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Brown is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Windy Shadow has an unknown actuation force. Both switches, however, have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them both medium-light in terms of resistance. The actuation force of the Crystal Brown provides a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Windy Shadow, which may be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a more substantial typing feel due to its potentially heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing resistance and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer travel distance between the two switches compared. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Crystal Brown. In terms of feel, the Crystal Brown may provide a more satisfying depth when pressed down, while the Windy Shadow may offer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference – whether you prioritize a deeper feel or a faster response time. Both switches offer different travel distances, but they both provide reliable performance in their own right. So, while the travel distances may differ, you can expect similarly solid results from either switch.
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 Crystal Brown 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 Crystal Brown tactile switch lacks a specific reputation, making it a bit of a wildcard in terms of noise level and tone. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The Windy Shadow's extended spring provides a distinctive bounce, creating a unique auditory experience that is both bass-heavy and mellow, suitable for a variety of environments. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In the realm of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown once again remains a bit of a mystery with no defined characteristics for typing experience. Conversely, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is recognized for its mild tactile feedback, offering a gentle typing sensation that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone. This quality makes the Windy Shadow switch approachable to most users, providing a comfortable and consistent typing experience that is suitable for various preferences.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer different subjective qualities. While the Crystal Brown may provide an unpredictable sound and feel, the Windy Shadow linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound and mild tactility. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences in terms of typing experience and auditory feedback. Regardless, opting for either switch will likely yield satisfactory results depending on one's specific needs and expectations.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a neutral sound profile, the Crystal Brown may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with the same bottom out force but with a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Windy Shadow could be the ideal choice. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and overall typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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