Outemu Ocean vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Ocean and Aflion Windy Shadow offer unique experiences to enhance your typing or gaming. The Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump feedback upon actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a tactile response while typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is a linear switch known for its neutral sound profile and smooth keystrokes thanks to its extended spring design. While the Ocean offers a tactile typing experience, the Windy Shadow excels in providing a smooth and consistent keystroke. 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
N/A
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Ocean and the Aflion Windy Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound overall. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through beautifully. As a result, users can expect a similar sound profile and visual experience from both switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Ocean and the Windy Shadow differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Ocean featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Windy Shadow utilizing the same material. Switches with nylon bottom housings tend to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, users may notice a difference in sound when pressing down on the switches between the Ocean and the Windy Shadow, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can affect the sound and feel differently. The bottom housing material, such as nylon in the case of the Outemu Ocean, will have a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Conversely, the top housing material, like polycarbonate in both the Ocean and the Windy Shadow, will be more noticeable when letting go of a key and determining the sound produced. This highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when evaluating the qualities of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Ocean has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Ocean's unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Ocean may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Windy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, with the Ocean being lighter and the Windy Shadow being heavier in terms of force required for typing.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we see that the Ocean has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Windy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Windy Shadow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ocean. The Ocean's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a slightly deeper key press feel, while the Windy Shadow's 3.5mm travel distance is shallower, providing a quicker response time. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for fast-paced gameplay, while those who enjoy a more robust key press may lean towards switches with longer travel distances. Overall, both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences.
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 Ocean 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 Ocean tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Windy Shadow linear switch is best known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force. On the other hand, the Ocean switch's sound qualities are unknown. When it comes to feel, the Windy Shadow switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. Unfortunately, the feel of the Ocean switch is unknown. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched, neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch may be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a tactile switch with unknown sound qualities, the Outemu Ocean switch could also provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Ocean tactile switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prioritize a tactile switch with no specific bottom out force preference and enjoy a unique typing experience, the Ocean may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and a mild typing feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch could be the better option for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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