Outemu Purple vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer two distinct experiences for users. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch, known for its responsive feel and feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is a linear switch, boasting a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring mechanism. While the Outemu Purple may appeal to those who prefer a tactile typing experience, the Aflion Windy Shadow is ideal for users seeking a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Both the Outemu Purple and the Aflion Windy Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they may exhibit slight differences in sound due to other factors such as stem design or spring weight.
On the other hand, the Purple and the Windy Shadow both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, influencing the sound and feel of the bottom-out action. Despite having the same bottom housing material, variations in switch design and construction may still lead to subtle differences in sound and feel between the two.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Purple and the Aflion Windy Shadow contribute to unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound and nylon bottom housings for a fuller sound, the overall feel and acoustics may vary slightly due to other factors. Whether one prefers a crisper and more resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, these housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience provided by each switch.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, the actuation force of the Purple is 50 grams, while the Windy Shadow's actuation force is not specified. However, the Purple has a bottom out force of None grams, whereas the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Purple requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Windy Shadow. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Purple more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Windy Shadow due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, with the Purple being on the longer side and the Windy Shadow being slightly shorter. If you prefer a quicker response time and more responsiveness, the Windy Shadow may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel and deeper key press, the Purple switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 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 Purple tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Purple switch is known for its subjective qualities on sound and feel, while the Windy Shadow switch is emerging as a noteworthy option with its unique bounce from an extended spring and neutral sound profile. The Windy Shadow provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a 55g bottom-out force, making it comfortably medium-light. On the other hand, the Purple switch's sound and feel qualities are unknown. The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle feel and a safe, middle-ground sound profile, suitable for various users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference, as both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Purple tactile switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and your specific typing needs. If you prefer a tactile switch with a lower bottom-out force and are looking for a switch that is best known for its specific feature, then the Outemu Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a bottom-out force of 55 grams and enjoy a low-pitched sound profile along with a mild typing feel, then the Aflion Windy Shadow may be more suitable for your needs. As you dive deeper into the world of mechanical keyboard switches, remember to consider factors such as sound, feel, and functionality to make the best decision for your typing preferences.
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