Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches stand out for their unique features. The Smoothie Silver is praised for its all-POM construction, offering a short travel distance for quick actuation. Known for its thocky sound, smooth feel, and light touch, it is a favorite among gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce thanks to its extended spring. With a bottom-out weight of 55g, it provides a comfortable medium-light typing experience. While the Smoothie Silver is known for its speed and smoothness, the Windy Shadow offers a unique bounce and a comfortable weight. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and Aflion Windy Shadow both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and relatively muted sound, while the Windy Shadow has a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of different materials for the top housing results in distinct auditory experiences for users.
In terms of bottom housing, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM material that again creates a deep and muted sound. Contrastingly, the Windy Shadow incorporates a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This difference in bottom housing materials affects the sound profile when typing on the switches, providing users with varying tactile experiences depending on the switch they choose.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Aflion Windy Shadow are different, the qualities each material brings to the switches are evident in their sound and feel. The split between bottom and top housing qualities results in a unique typing experience for users, with each housing material playing a significant role in determining the switch's overall sound profile. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. However, the Windy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is not specified. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Smoothie Silver may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for quick response times. Gamers who prefer a shorter travel distance may gravitate towards the Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feel when using either one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound that is known for being smooth and pleasant to the ears, creating a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving off a more muted and balanced tone during use. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, so the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for the keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch provides a feather-light touch with a short travel distance, allowing for quick actuation and a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a comfortable 55g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing feel, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation force and tactile feedback.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer the thocky sound and smoothness of the Smoothie Silver or the low-pitched and neutral sound profile of the Windy Shadow, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for a bottom out force - none for the Smoothie Silver and 55g for the Windy Shadow. If you prioritize a lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring and a medium-light bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and smoothness with the Smoothie Silver or a comfortable typing experience with a unique bounce from the Windy Shadow.
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