Outemu Silent White vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features worth considering. The Silent White is a linear switch known for its quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for those working in shared spaces or late at night. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion stands out as a linear switch that provides a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring design. With a 55g bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow offers a comfortable typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them ideal for different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent White and the Aflion Windy Shadow share the attribute of having polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality in their keyboard switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular option for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Silent White and the Windy Shadow feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. This material choice contributes to the overall typing experience of the switches, providing a satisfying sound and feel when typing. By incorporating nylon in the bottom housing, both switches offer a more tactile and immersive typing experience for users who appreciate a deep and resonant sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings of the Silent White and Windy Shadow differ in material, the qualities each material brings to the switches are divided between the top and bottom. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, adding to the overall auditory feedback of the switches. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, a few key differences emerge. The Silent White has a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience for those who prefer a slightly heavier key press. In contrast, the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Silent White. However, the actuation force of the Windy Shadow is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the Silent White. Both switches offer a medium to medium-light tactile feel, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without excessive strain on the fingers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing force and weight.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Silent White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for greater responsiveness. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow provides a slightly longer travel distance, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 White 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 White linear switch is known for offering a quiet typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who prefer minimal noise. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. With its medium-light 55g bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone that can be suitable for a variety of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent White switch's tactile feedback and actuation force are not specified, but it is likely that the linear switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. Conversely, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. This makes the Windy Shadow switches approachable to a wide range of users, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for extended periods of use.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent White and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches differ in their sound profiles and tactile feels, both options offer quality switches for those seeking a linear switch option. The Silent White excels in providing a quieter typing experience, ideal for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. Meanwhile, the Windy Shadow stands out for its low-pitched sound and mild feel, making it a versatile choice for users looking for a balance between performance and comfort. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, and choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should choose the Outemu Silent White if you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force of 60 grams and are not concerned about sound or feel characteristics. On the other hand, you should opt for the Aflion Windy Shadow if you prefer a lower bottom-out force at 55 grams, enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and prefer a mild typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Consider what aspects are most important to you when selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
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