Kailh Plum vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch stand out as unique options. The Kailh Plum is notable for its hefty feel without a significant tactile bump, offering a distinct typing experience compared to other tactile switches. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a neutral sound profile and a bouncy feel from its extended spring, making typing on it a comfortable medium-light experience. The Plum falls into the neutral, mild, stepped category, while the Windy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may suit different preferences. However, let's delve into the specifics so you can make the best decision for yourself.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Plum and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Plum and the Windy Shadow also both use nylon bottom housings. Typing on these switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share similarities in their choice of materials for the top and bottom housings, the distribution of qualities may differ between the Kailh Plum and the Aflion Windy Shadow. The impact of the bottom housing will be more prominent when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a balanced and varied typing experience, with each housing contributing distinct characteristics to the overall sound profile of the switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Plum and the Aflion Windy Shadow will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a crisp sound and nylon bottom housings for a fuller sound. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches provide a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences. In the end, the similarities in housing materials between the Plum and the Windy Shadow ensure that users will receive comparable typing experiences, with slight variations based on the distribution of qualities within the switch.
Weight
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both have a unique combination of actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences. The Plum switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which puts it in the medium-light category. This means that the Plum switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a higher force to bottom out, while the Windy Shadow may be more suited for longer typing sessions due to its lighter bottom out force. Both switches have no specified actuation force, which could mean that they have a similar actuation force, resulting in a comparable typing experience in terms of triggering a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences regarding the weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Plum switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether a slightly longer or shorter travel distance is preferred.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. The Plum switch provides a neutral sound experience that is enjoyable, while the Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched tone with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. The choice between these two switches in terms of sound may come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, both the Plum tactile switch and the Windy Shadow linear switch offer a mild typing experience. The Plum switch stands out for its unique weightiness without a huge tactile bump, providing a more gentle typing experience than some other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch offers a comfortably medium-light 55g bottom-out with a mild feel that is approachable to most users. Whether you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile bump or a smoother linear feel, both options provide a middle-ground zone of comfort for typing.
In conclusion, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer different but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Plum switch provides a unique weightiness without a huge tactile bump and a neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow switch offers a distinctive bounce from its extended spring and a low-pitched tone. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Both switches are great options for those looking for a moderate and enjoyable typing experience on their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile feel and neutral sound profile, the Plum switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a distinctive bounce and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
