Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer distinct features for different preferences. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a stealthy typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion emerges as a noteworthy competitor with its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, providing a unique typing feel. While the Silent Yellow offers a low-pitched and mild typing experience, the Windy Shadow falls under the categories of low-pitched, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users. 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
2.20 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 Yellow and the Aflion Windy Shadow, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when illuminated. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Windy Shadow, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material could potentially impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
Despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the different bottom housing materials of the Silent Yellow and Windy Shadow contribute varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, whereas the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials results in a unique feel when pressing down on the switches, with the characteristics of each material being felt either during the key press or when releasing the key.
In conclusion, while both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that provide a clear and resonant sound profile, the Silent Yellow stands out for its nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing may offer a different typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in each switch allows for a unique feel and sound profile depending on when the characteristics of each material come into play during key presses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Silent Yellow has a higher actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has an unknown actuation force but a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Those who enjoy a heavier push feel may opt for the Silent Yellow, while individuals looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to 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 Yellow being slightly longer than the Windy Shadow. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow, while those seeking a more substantial key press experience may opt for the longer travel distance of the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific feel that each individual user desires.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow linear switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience without the audible click typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch boasts a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of settings. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch's tactile feedback provides a smooth and consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a mild typing feel that is gentle and approachable for users who prefer a more subtle tactile response. Both switches fall within the medium-light actuation force range, ensuring that typing on either option will not cause fatigue over extended periods of use.
Considering all available information, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch may have different sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a comfortable typing experience with their medium-light actuation force. Whether you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience with the Silent Yellow or enjoy the low-pitched and neutral sound profile of the Windy Shadow, you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a heavier touch, the Silent Yellow with 80 grams bottom-out force may be the better choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Windy Shadow with 55 grams bottom-out force may be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce, the Windy Shadow is the way to go. Ultimately, understanding your preferences for force, sound, and feel will help you make the best decision between these two switches.
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