Gateron Smoothie vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Gateron Smoothie and the Aflion Windy Shadow. The Gateron Smoothie is known for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow provides a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. The Smoothie is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', and 'Creamy', while the Windy Shadow falls under 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. While both switches have their unique characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the Aflion Windy Shadow, one can notice significant differences in sound profiles. The Smoothie's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visually appealing aspect to the switch. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie also contributes to the deeper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow results in a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
Despite the differences in sound profiles between the Gateron Smoothie and the Aflion Windy Shadow, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials. The POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow produces a crisper and more resonant sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow provides a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the relatively muted sound of the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound experiences based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches can greatly impact the overall sound profile and feel of typing. The Gateron Smoothie and the Aflion Windy Shadow showcase how different materials such as POM, polycarbonate, and nylon can influence the sound qualities of a switch. While the Smoothie prioritizes a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing, the Windy Shadow focuses on a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound output.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we see some notable differences. The Gateron Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Aflion Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, compared to the Gateron Smoothie's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Gateron Smoothie may provide a lighter typing experience with a softer feel, ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Aflion Windy Shadow may offer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. If they happen to both have the same force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum compared to traditional switches, the Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance which may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a bit more depth. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's slightly shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between traditional and modern travel distances, ensuring a comfortable typing experience regardless of personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie 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 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 offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued experience, providing a satisfyingly deep and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow presents a more neutral and low-pitched sound profile, with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience that feels seamless and effortless. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow provides a mild typing experience, gentle in its characteristics and suitable for a wide range of users. While the Smoothie focuses on providing a luxurious and silky typing sensation, the Windy Shadow caters to those who prefer a more approachable and middle-ground feel.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Smoothie excels in providing a thocky and buttery typing experience, while the Windy Shadow focuses on a neutral sound profile and a mild feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired keyboarding experience. Ultimately, both switches promise a high level of quality and satisfaction, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a thocky sound signature with a low-pitched and subdued tone, coupled with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, the Gateron Smoothie may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone and a mild typing experience, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and bottom-out force to ensure a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
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