Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch, and the Aflion Windy Shadow, also a linear switch. The Salt Ice switches are renowned for their bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, making them an ideal choice for users seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switches from Aflion offer a neutral sound profile, combined with a distinctive bounce from their extended spring, and a comfortable 55g bottom-out weight. While both switches offer desirable qualities, such as being linear in design, having different sound profiles, weights, and overall feel set them apart. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice 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 stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that feature RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the Aflion Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Aflion Windy Shadow benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, as its translucency allows for appealing visuals when paired with RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow offers a different tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice. The nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow results in a softer bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice contributes to a sharper and crisper sound upon key press. This contrast in housing materials highlights how the choice of material can impact both the auditory and tactile experience of using mechanical switches.
Ultimately, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Aflion Windy Shadow creates a distinction in sound profiles when typing on these switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice offers a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches, affects the sound profile when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the unique qualities of their chosen housing materials, showcasing how material selection can impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. However, the Windy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Salt Ice, which has an unknown bottom out force. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Salt Ice for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the stronger push feel provided by the Windy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice for faster response times, while others may find the longer travel distance of the Windy Shadow to provide a more hearty feel. Overall, the difference between the two switches' travel distances is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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
Sound-wise, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch provides a bright and clacky typing experience, offering vibrant feedback and a light touch. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch produces a low-pitched sound with a neutral profile, thanks to its extended spring and 55g bottom-out weight. Depending on personal preference, the Salt Ice is better suited for those who enjoy a more energetic typing experience, while the Windy Shadow is ideal for users seeking a mellow and moderate sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a typing experience that is not explicitly defined in the provided information. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone. Users looking for a more approachable and easy-to-use switch may find the Windy Shadow to be a suitable choice.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Salt Ice excels in providing a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback, the Windy Shadow stands out for its low-pitched sound and mild feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel, with both options offering a satisfying and responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch, the Salt Ice switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce and a comfortable medium-light bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow switches are a solid choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and the kind of feel and sound you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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