Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer unique characteristics for users to consider. The Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, known for its distinctive feedback and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion is a linear switch, emerging as a noteworthy choice for its neutral sound profile and comfortable 55g bottom-out weight. While the Maple Leaf provides a tactile feel that some users prefer, the Windy Shadow offers a smoother typing experience with its linear design. 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
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and Aflion Windy Shadow, the most prominent difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Maple Leaf utilizes nylon for its top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Windy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. While the Maple Leaf offers a duller and rounder sound, the Windy Shadow provides a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly beneficial for those who enjoy RGB lighting due to the polycarbonate's translucency.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Maple Leaf and Windy Shadow utilize nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users of both switches will experience a consistent duller and rounder sound profile, reflective of nylon's characteristics. Despite any differences in top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing in these switches ensures a uniform typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing material between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing of the Maple Leaf and Windy Shadow switches significantly impacts the sound profile experienced by users. While nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound, polycarbonate provides a sharper and more resonant sound, catering to different preferences. However, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile regardless of the differences in top housing materials. Whether users prefer a softer, rounder sound or a crisper, higher-pitched sound, they can find their preferred typing experience between these two switches based on the housing material used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Maple Leaf requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Windy Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Windy Shadow is lighter at 55 grams, while the Maple Leaf has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Windy Shadow provides a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Maple Leaf. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Windy Shadow more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Maple Leaf offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a heavier push. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Windy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference - the Maple Leaf offering a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker keystrokes, while the Windy Shadow provides a tad more depth for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, whether you choose the Outemu Maple Leaf or the Aflion Windy Shadow, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance from both switches.
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 Maple Leaf 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 comparing the sound qualities, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is known for offering a unique sound profile, although specific details are not readily available. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound. Low-pitched switches like the Windy Shadow tend to produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making them ideal for a quieter typing experience suitable for various settings. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch lacks specific descriptions regarding its tactile feedback. Conversely, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is characterized as providing a mild typing experience. This means that the Windy Shadow switch offers a gentler feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it a comfortable option for a wide range of users who prefer a moderate and approachable typing sensation.
Considering all available information, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and mild tactile feel, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a balanced typing experience. While details about the Outemu Maple Leaf switch's qualities are limited, it is likely to offer a unique and distinct typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and will provide similar results depending on individual preferences and setup configurations.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is important to consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a tactile switch, the Maple Leaf may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and are looking for a linear switch with a distinctive bounce and neutral sound profile, the Aflion Windy Shadow may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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