Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are many options to choose from, each offering unique features and benefits. Two popular linear switches to consider are the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Aflion Windy Shadow. The Silent Ocean is known for its silent operation and falls into the category of linear switches. On the other hand, Aflion has made a name for itself with the Windy Shadow linear switches, which are praised for their neutral sound profile and comfortable 55g bottom-out weight. While the Silent Ocean may appeal to those in search of a silent typing experience, the Windy Shadows offer a balance of sound and tactility. 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
45g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Aflion Windy Shadow, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on either switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience. Overall, both switches benefit from the qualities of polycarbonate in their top housings, offering similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal.
However, where the Silent Ocean and Windy Shadow differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Silent Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. In contrast, the Windy Shadow also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing similar qualities of a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon in their bottom housings, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Aflion Windy Shadow share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, they diverge in their nylon bottom housings. The Silent Ocean offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and deeper sound with its nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow provides similar sound qualities with its polycarbonate top housing, but with a different tactile experience due to its nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of materials used in their housing construction.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch are quite different. The Silent Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, but the actuation force is not specified. This difference in weight means that the Silent Ocean requires more force to register a keystroke, while the Windy Shadow provides a lighter typing experience. Some may prefer the Silent Ocean for a more substantial typing feel, while others may gravitate towards the Windy Shadow for a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Ocean being on the longer side and the Windy Shadow on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Windy Shadow for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during intense gameplay. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Ocean with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, the decision between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for key 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 Silent 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch doesn't have a specific reputation or defining characteristic. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the Windy Shadow switch will produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Silent Ocean switch. However, it's important to remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard you use and the keycaps attached.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch doesn't have a specific feel associated with it. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that the Windy Shadow switch offers a gentle and approachable typing feel, catering to a wide range of users who prefer switches with more subtle characteristics.
Overall, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch seems to have specific characteristics that set it apart from the Outemu Silent Ocean switch. The Windy Shadow switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as providing a mild typing experience. If you're looking for a switch with these qualities, the Windy Shadow might be the right choice for you. However, if you're unsure, experimenting with both switches will give you a better idea of which one suits your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a unique bounce and a slightly heavier bottom out force, then the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as a gentle typing experience, then the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider what qualities are most important to you and choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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