Outemu Tom vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Tom and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Tom switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each key press. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch, manufactured by Aflion, stands out for its linear design, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. The Windy Shadow switches are known for their neutral sound profile and comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out weight. If you prefer a switch with a subtle tactile feel, the Outemu Tom may be the way to go. However, if you value a smooth and consistent keystroke, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the better choice. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Both the Outemu Tom and the Aflion Windy Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
One area where the Outemu Tom and the Aflion Windy Shadow differ is in their bottom housing material. The Tom features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. This contrast in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing material.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can affect the typing experience in various ways. While both the Outemu Tom and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer distinct sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housing, the Tom's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound compared to the Windy Shadow. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences for typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is apparent that they have opposite force distributions. The Tom has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams but an unknown bottom out force, while the Windy Shadow has a medium-light actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Tom switch requires less force to initiate a keystroke, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Windy Shadow switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. In cases where both the actuation and bottom out forces are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier force switch depends on the individual's personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Windy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Tom. Both switches fall within the category of typically shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The Tom's 3.3 mm travel distance offers a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback, making it a good choice for those who prefer a middle ground. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance may provide a bit more depth for key presses, which can be preferred by those who like a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feel.
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 Tom 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
In the sound aspect, the Windy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that it provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Tom tactile switch are not specified, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience when paired with a quality keyboard and keycap set.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Windy Shadow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that the switch provides a gentle and approachable feel, making it suitable for most users who prefer a safe middle-ground typing experience. Again, the feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is not specified, making it challenging to directly compare the feel of these two switches. However, based on the information provided, both switches seem to offer a comfortable typing experience without being too extreme in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both have their own unique qualities that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard market. While the Windy Shadow switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile as well as mild typing feel, the specific characteristics of the Tom switch are not defined. However, both switches are designed to provide a comfortable and pleasant typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, as well as the overall keyboard setup being used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Tom tactile switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of None and are looking for a switch that is best known for None, the Tom may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of 55 grams and are looking for a switch that is best known for offering a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, the Windy Shadow may be a better fit. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Windy Shadow may also be more appealing to you. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches.
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