Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer distinct characteristics for different types of users. The Spring Breeze is a clicky switch known for its satisfying tactile feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion is a linear switch that provides a smooth keystroke without the audible click. While the Spring Breeze is ideal for those who enjoy a louder typing experience and want to feel the tactile bump with each press, the Windy Shadow is perfect for users who prefer a quieter and more consistent typing feel. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
The Outemu Spring Breeze and the Aflion Windy Shadow have contrasting top housing materials, with the Spring Breeze featuring a nylon top housing and the Windy Shadow utilizing a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition, providing a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Windy Shadow's top housing allows for better RGB lighting effects, a feature that is not present in the opaque nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, both the Spring Breeze and the Windy Shadow will elicit a similar duller and rounder sound when typing, as the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite the top housing material differences between the two switches, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch greatly influences the sound profile and feel of typing. While the Outemu Spring Breeze's nylon top and bottom housings create a softer and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound for a duller sound, the Aflion Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, resonating more clearly. The contrasting materials used in the top housings of these switches showcase the impact that different plastics can have on sound quality, with the polycarbonate allowing for better RGB lighting effects. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Windy Shadow, whose actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Spring Breeze, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Windy Shadow may be the preferable option. Overall, both switches provide a similar bottom out force, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the actuation force differences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Windy Shadow's 3.5 mm. The Spring Breeze offers a traditional travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired level of key press 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 Spring Breeze 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 Spring Breeze clicky switch is known for providing a satisfying click with each keystroke, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is noted for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more subdued and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them ultimately depends on the user's personal preference and typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch provides a tactile bump and audible click during actuation, giving typists a responsive and tactile typing experience. In comparison, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, with a comfortable 55g bottom-out force that falls within the medium-light range. Both switches provide a different tactile feel, so users can choose based on their preference for either a more pronounced tactile feedback or a smoother, more consistent typing experience.
Considering the information provided, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Spring Breeze excels in providing a satisfying click and tactile feedback, the Windy Shadow stands out for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with its mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches are reliable options that can provide a pleasant typing experience depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a clicky sound and want a switch that provides tactile feedback, the Spring Breeze may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a more neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience, the Windy Shadow could be the perfect choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what type of typing experience you are looking for and what sound profile you prefer.
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