Outemu Silent Grey vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Grey and Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, making it comfortably medium-light at a 55g bottom-out. While the Silent Grey switch is categorized as tactile, the Windy Shadow switch falls under the linear category. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preferences; 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
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and the Aflion Windy Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches designed with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a vibrant visual effect.
On the other hand, both switches also feature nylon for their bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the typing experience for those who prefer a less sharp sound profile. This classic switch housing material brings a different acoustic quality to the switches, complementing the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing for a well-rounded sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Aflion Windy Shadow differ in material, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch offers a unique typing experience. The split qualities of the housing materials provide a balanced sound profile, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both switches offer distinct acoustic characteristics to cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch reveals some key differences. The Silent Grey has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Windy Shadow which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Silent Grey also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Silent Grey switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Windy Shadow more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences, with the Silent Grey offering a heavier feel and the Windy Shadow providing a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch. In general, a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users, as it allows for a deeper key press. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance can result in quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers. Both switches offer a different feel due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether one would prefer the Silent Grey or the Windy Shadow.
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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch provides a quiet typing experience with a subtle bump, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more mellow tone that can be versatile for a variety of settings. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Silent Grey being more subdued and the Windy Shadow offering a distinctive bounce.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch delivers a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystrokes, offering a satisfying sensation for those who prefer tactile feedback. Conversely, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience with a gentle feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback, with the Silent Grey being more pronounced and the Windy Shadow being more approachable to a wider range of users.
Taking all the information into consideration, individuals seeking a quiet and tactile typing experience may prefer the Outemu Silent Grey switch, while those looking for a versatile option with a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel may lean towards the Aflion Windy Shadow switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in regards to sound, feel, and typing experience. It is important to test out different switches to find the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Silent Grey switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce with a medium-light bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump or a smoother typing experience with a distinctive bounce. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences for the best overall keyboarding experience.
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