Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Sakura Pink is renowned for its super light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a delicate typing touch. With a smooth and frictionless operation, these switches provide a buttery and effortless typing experience, accompanied by a delightful poppy sound similar to popping bubble wrap. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from their extended spring, catering to those who prefer a medium-light 55g bottom-out feel. While the Sakura Pink is praised for its light and playful typing experience, the Windy Shadow stands out for its balanced feel and sound profile. 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
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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
The Everglide Sakura Pink and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink has a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Windy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material used in the Windy Shadow's bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate top housings, the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Aflion Windy Shadow differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp, crisper sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. This contrast in materials showcases how the bottom housing of a switch can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switch. While the top housing influences the sound upon key release, the bottom housing has a more noticeable effect on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Aflion Windy Shadow may come down to personal preferences in sound and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Sakura Pink emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound profile throughout, while the Windy Shadow provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, particularly due to its nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer the stiffer resonance of polycarbonate or the softer, more absorbing nature of nylon, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it becomes apparent that the Sakura Pink is lighter in terms of actuation force with 35 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's unknown force. However, the Sakura Pink also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's 55 grams, making the Windy Shadow a slightly heavier option. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the differences in force may appeal to different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Sakura Pink, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Sakura Pink offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow, making it a better choice for those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style. Overall, the Sakura Pink is the longer option while the Windy Shadow is the shorter option, offering different experiences for users seeking specific features in a linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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.
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 terms of sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a playful and poppy sound, reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, creating a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch provides a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone, offering a mellow and bass-heavy sound. Depending on personal preference, users may enjoy the bubbly sound of the Sakura Pink or the balanced tone of the Windy Shadow.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. In comparison, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch is categorized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Sakura Pink focuses on a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, while the Windy Shadow offers a more subdued and mild typing feel.
Considering all the available information, users looking for a lighter and more playful typing experience may opt for the Everglide Sakura Pink switch, appreciating its light actuation force and poppy sound. Meanwhile, users desiring a more neutral and mellow typing experience may prefer the Aflion Windy Shadow switch with its balanced sound profile and gentle keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both switches provide reliable and comfortable typing experiences for different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the Sakura Pink if you prefer a super light actuation force of 35g, a playful popping sound, and a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press typing experience. These switches are perfect for delicate typists who enjoy a frictionless and effortless feel while typing. On the other hand, opt for the Aflion Windy Shadow if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55g, a neutral low-pitched sound profile, and a mild typing experience that falls within the safe middle ground zone. These switches provide a distinctive bounce from their extended spring, making them comfortably medium-light and suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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