Outemu Peach (V3) vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach (V3) and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Peach and Aflion Windy Shadow are two options worth considering. The Outemu Peach is a linear switch that stands out for its lightweight and silenced nature, providing a feathery typing experience for linear switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow, also a linear switch, offers a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, making it a comfortable medium-light option with a 55g bottom-out. While both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, such as the Peach being extremely lightweight and the Windy Shadow providing a satisfying bounce, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Peach and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is clear that the Peach utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deep and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, while the Peach's opaque nylon housing provides a more traditional look.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Peach and the Windy Shadow utilize nylon, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound. In terms of the impact on the typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the two switches may still offer slightly different sound profiles due to other factors such as spring weight and stem material.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Peach and the Aflion Windy Shadow will largely come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Peach's utilization of nylon for both top and bottom housing provides a consistent deep and fuller sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a sharper and crisper sound experience. Additionally, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, which may be a deciding factor for those interested in customizable lighting options. Ultimately, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Peach linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, which does not have a specified actuation force. The bottom out force of the Peach is 50 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Peach would be the better option, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, for those who enjoy a slightly more substantial typing feel, the Windy Shadow may be more suitable due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Peach with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Windy Shadow, which offers a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for key press feel 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 Peach (V3) comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Peach switch offers a muted experience, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches are suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. However, the Peach switch will provide a quieter typing environment compared to the Windy Shadow due to its muted characteristics.
When it comes to feel, both the Outemu Peach and Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer a mild typing experience. They provide a gentle resistance with a light typing feel, making them suitable for most users. The Peach switch, described as subtle and polished, offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. Both switches are ideal for users looking for a comfortable and approachable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Peach and Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Peach switch excels in providing a muted and lightweight typing experience, perfect for those looking for a quiet environment. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a comfortable medium-light feel, suitable for users seeking a mellow typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, although the Peach switch may be more suitable for those prioritizing a quieter typing environment. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of feel with both switches offering a mild and gentle typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Outemu Peach linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you value a very lightweight switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams and a muted sound profile, the Outemu Peach would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from the extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and priorities in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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