Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a clicky switch, and the Aflion Windy Shadow, a linear switch. The Dustproof Purple is best known for its clicky feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory confirmation with each key press. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion is gaining recognition for its neutral sound profile and comfortable 55g bottom-out weight, providing a smooth typing experience. While the Dustproof Purple offers a satisfying click, the Windy Shadow focuses on a quieter, more linear feel. 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
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is clear that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for better illumination. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics in this aspect.
However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material used by each switch. The Dustproof Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow also uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. Despite the differences in the top housing, the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. With the Dustproof Purple and the Windy Shadow both utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a slight variance in sound profiles but ultimately a similar typing experience. The split between the qualities brought by each housing material ensures that both switches offer a balance between sharp, crisp sound and deep, full tones, catering to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch differ significantly. The Dustproof Purple has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. The weight of the key press can greatly impact the typing experience, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended use and heavier switches providing a more pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, the Dustproof Purple offers a heavier typing experience compared to the lighter feel of the Windy Shadow. For those looking for a more substantial typing experience, the Dustproof Purple would be the better choice, while the Windy Shadow would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Windy Shadow the shorter option between the two. While a 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, it can be noticeable to some users, especially those who are more sensitive to keypress feedback. Gamers may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow for faster response times, while others may enjoy the slightly deeper feel of the Dustproof Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress 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 Dustproof Purple 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
The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dustproof Purple's sound profile is not specified, while the Windy Shadow is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various users and environments. As for feel, the Dustproof Purple's tactile feedback is not mentioned, while the Windy Shadow is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Dustproof Purple potentially providing a distinct clicky sound and tactile feedback, and the Windy Shadow offering a more subtle and smoother typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve different results with each switch.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Dustproof Purple at 65 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, the Windy Shadow at 55 grams may be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you value a distinctive bounce and neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow would be a strong contender. However, if you prioritize a clicky switch with a different sound and feel, the Dustproof Purple may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and the specific characteristics that matter most to you.
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