Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black 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 popular options to consider are the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Aflion Windy Shadow. The Silent Ink Black is favored for its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. With a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch is described as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. In comparison, the Windy Shadow from Aflion offers a unique typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. Weighing in at 55g for the bottom-out, these switches provide a comfortable, medium-light feel and are categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, but diving in deeper beyond generalities will help you determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and Aflion Windy Shadow both have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing which creates a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. In contrast, the Windy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow is more likely to be translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Silent Ink Black and Windy Shadow differ in material composition as well. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing shares similar sound characteristics to its top housing, maintaining a pointed and high-pitched profile. In comparison, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom housings of a switch can significantly impact the sound profile and feel of typing. While the Silent Ink Black and Windy Shadow offer distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials, the qualities each material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Silent Ink Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black requires a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is heavier than the Windy Shadow's 55 grams. This makes the Silent Ink Black a heavier switch overall, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a lighter typing experience with a lower bottom out force, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where lighter keys are preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Windy Shadow offers a slightly shorter distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. The difference may not be significant, but it can affect the feel and response of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who value quicker response times may prefer the Windy Shadow with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who appreciate a bit more depth and feedback in their key presses may lean towards the Silent Ink Black with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
Considering the sound qualities, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted and quiet typing experience, ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. If you prefer a softer and quieter typing sound, the Silent Ink Black would be the way to go, whereas if you enjoy a more bass-heavy tone with moderate sound levels, the Windy Shadow would be a great option.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Silent Ink Black offers a silky and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth key presses with minimal resistance. In comparison, the Windy Shadow provides a mild and gentle typing feel, making it approachable to most users due to its safe middle-ground characteristics. If you prefer an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, the Silent Ink Black would be a great choice. However, if you are looking for a gentler typing feel that is still comfortable and easy to use, the Windy Shadow would be a suitable option.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prioritize a quieter sound and a smooth typing experience, the Silent Ink Black would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a comfortable typing feel, the Windy Shadow would be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and can deliver satisfying results depending on your specific preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preferences for typing force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing force and a cushioned, quiet typing experience, the Silent Ink Black may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing force with a unique bounce and a neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Whichever switch you choose, both the Silent Ink Black and the Windy Shadow offer their own distinct qualities for a satisfying typing experience.
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