SP-Star Duck vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Duck and the Aflion Windy Shadow stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience. The Duck switch offers a tactile typing experience, known for its subtle tactility and clean, crispy sound profile. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion is a linear switch that provides a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, making it a comfortable choice at a 55g bottom-out. While the Duck switch is categorized as 'neutral', 'mild', 'buttery', 'polished', the Windy Shadow falls under 'low-pitched', 'mild', 'neutral'. If you're looking for a more gentle and tactile typing experience, the Duck switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother linear feel with a neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow could be more to your liking. Ultimately, it's important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Gold plated
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is clear that they both use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, in terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches will produce similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Duck and the Windy Shadow differ significantly. The Duck utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Windy Shadow uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while both the SP-Star Duck and the Aflion Windy Shadow use polycarbonate for their top housing, their bottom housing materials set them apart. The Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a clear and resonant sound, similar to its top housing, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of bottom housing material can play a crucial role in determining the overall sound experience of a switch, showcasing the importance of considering all housing materials when selecting a keyboard switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch differ slightly. The Duck has an actuation force of None grams compared to the Windy Shadow's None grams, showing that both have a light actuation force. However, the Duck has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. The Duck provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Windy Shadow offers a lighter touch for longer typing periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Duck offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer more depth. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches provide different experiences due to their varying travel distances, with the Duck offering a longer and the Windy Shadow offering a shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is clean and crispy, suitable for a variety of settings whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch produces a low-pitched sound, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches have a neutral actuation force requirement, making them versatile for different preferences.
In terms of feel, both the Duck and Windy Shadow switches provide a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that is comfortable for most users. The Duck switch is described as buttery and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience, while the Windy Shadow switch offers a similar mild feel without the additional descriptors.
Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their respective sound and feel qualities. If you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you enjoy a linear switch with a low-pitched sound and comfortable actuation force, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
Overall, when it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it really depends on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a subtle tactile feel and a clean sound profile, the Duck switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce and a slightly lighter actuation force, the Windy Shadows would be more up your alley. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and bottom-out force preference when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer quality construction and a satisfying typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
Mentioned in this article
