Outemu Gold vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, and the Aflion Windy Shadow, a linear switch, offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Gold is best known for its clicky feedback, providing a satisfying tactile experience for typists who enjoy auditory confirmation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is emerging as a noteworthy manufacturer with its linear switches, offering a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from an extended spring. While the Gold switch falls under the clicky category, the Windy Shadow switch is categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
Both the Outemu Gold and the Aflion Windy Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. However, the differences in their bottom housings are where they diverge. The Gold's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing has similar qualities, providing a rounder and duller sound experience.
While both switches share the same top housing material in polycarbonate, each housing material offers unique qualities when it comes to the bottom housing. The split between the nylon bottom housing of the Gold and the Windy Shadow impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches differently. The bottom housing material has more of an effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, influencing the overall sharpness and clarity in the sound profile of the switches.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Outemu Gold and the Aflion Windy Shadow plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the variation in their bottom housing materials leads to distinct differences in sound quality. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, with the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. Understanding how each housing material impacts the sound profile can help enthusiasts choose the right switch for their preferences and needs.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that the Gold switch is on the lighter side in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch has an unknown actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Gold switch requires 60 grams, while the Windy Shadow switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams. Therefore, the Gold switch is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Windy Shadow switch might be the better option due to its lighter actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Gold switch might be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch. The Gold clicky switch will provide a deeper, more tactile feel when typing due to its longer travel distance, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow linear switch's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, so the choice ultimately depends on individual preference for 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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch does not have a specific descriptor or known quality attributed to it, making it more of an unknown factor in this comparison. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the Windy Shadow switches offer a bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for a variety of users and environments. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch is influenced by factors like the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Turning to the tactile feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have any specific descriptor or known quality related to its feel, making it less predictable in this regard. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that the Windy Shadow linear switches offer a gentler feel that falls in the middle ground, making them approachable and comfortable for a wide range of users.
Taking all the available information into account, if you are looking for a switch with a known sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches would be a strong choice for you. However, if you are more interested in exploring an unknown sound and feel quality, the Outemu Gold clicky switches might present an element of surprise and uniqueness to your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer different qualities that cater to different preferences and needs, ensuring that you can find a switch that suits your specific requirements in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and a distinctive sound profile, the Outemu Gold would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that best fits your needs and typing style.
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