Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch to the aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Splash Brothers is praised for its shorter activation and long pole stem, providing a snappy and bouncy typing experience with a creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, offering a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out feel. While both switches have their own strengths and qualities making them appealing choices, diving deeper into their specific characteristics and performance will help you determine which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Aflion Windy Shadow, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in clear housings allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch. Despite having the same material for the top housing, the two switches may have slight differences in sound due to variations in design and construction.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This material choice creates a duller and rounder sound, offering a different typing experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing may affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
While the Jwick Splash Brothers and Aflion Windy Shadow have similar top housing materials, their use of different bottom housing materials highlights the potential for variation in sound and feel. The qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the sound when pressing down and when releasing a key. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate top housing or the softer nylon bottom housing, each material contributes to the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that they both have the same actuation force of None grams. However, the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Splash Brothers switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch and longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch offers a slightly more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force, making it a better choice for those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that both switches offer the same tactile feedback and actuation point when pressed. Whether you choose the Splash Brothers or the Windy Shadow, you can expect a consistent typing experience with a similar distance traveled when pressing down on the key. Both switches provide a smooth and linear feel, making them suitable for gamers and typists alike. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, keycap compatibility, or other features specific to each switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a creamy and neutral sound signature, suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving a more mellow tone compared to the Splash Brothers. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement, making them versatile for different users and environments. The sound produced by these switches may also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used in conjunction with them.
When it comes to feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a responsive and lively feel. The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is also characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches fall into the safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for a wide range of individuals.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Splash Brothers provides a creamy sound signature and a more dynamic typing feel, the Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched sound and a comfortable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and typing styles, users can expect to get similar results in terms of quality and performance from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference and specific needs in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a lighter bottom-out force and a unique typing feel with a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a distinct bounce from an extended spring, the Windy Shadow could be the switch that suits your preferences. Both switches offer different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style when making your decision.
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