Everglide Sunset Yellow vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Sunset Yellow and Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features and qualities to consider. The Sunset Yellow switches are renowned for their creamsicle color and captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, providing a rich, bassy, and indulgent typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. With a unique Ly stem, proprietary factory lube method, and a combination of very short travel and long-pole stem, these switches offer a distinct gliding feel and highly responsive typing experience, characterized by a bassy, creamy, frictionless, polished, and thocky feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switches from Aflion bring a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from their extended spring, offering a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out experience, characterized by a low-pitched, mild, and neutral feel. Each switch has its strengths and appeals, providing users with different options based on their preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is clear that they have different characteristics. The Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Windy Shadow boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow also contributes to its pleasing sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow offers a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Despite their differences, both switches utilize unique housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience. The POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow and the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow each play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. Similarly, the POM and nylon bottom housings of the Sunset Yellow and Windy Shadow, respectively, influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. While they may have distinct characteristics, both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable typing experience with their carefully selected housing materials.
In conclusion, the choice between the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Aflion Windy Shadow ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile. The POM and polycarbonate top housings offer unique sonic experiences, with the POM providing a deeper and more muted sound compared to the crisper and higher-pitched sound of the polycarbonate. Likewise, the POM and nylon bottom housings contribute to the overall typing feel of each switch, with the POM offering a pleasing sound profile and the nylon providing a fuller sound experience. Ultimately, both switches utilize their housing materials effectively to create a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the category of medium-light weight. The Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Windy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Windy Shadow is slightly heavier in terms of the force required to bottom out. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sunset Yellow for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Windy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Windy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow to provide a more abrupt feeling, while the longer travel distance of the Windy Shadow offers a more substantial depth when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is known for its bassy and thocky sound profile, which adds a sense of depth and richness to each keystroke. The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, on the other hand, offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, providing a more mellow and moderate tone during typing sessions. Depending on personal preferences, the Sunset Yellow may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and more resonant sound, while the Windy Shadow may be preferred by users looking for a more balanced and versatile auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, characterized by smoothness, ease of use, and a refined finish that enhances the overall feel of typing. In contrast, the Windy Shadow switch is noted for its mild typing sensation, providing a gentle and approachable experience without any extreme characteristics. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, with the Sunset Yellow focusing on a luxurious and effortless feel, while the Windy Shadow offers a more subtle and versatile touch.
Overall, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Sunset Yellow excels in providing a bassy and indulgent sound with a smooth and polished typing feel, the Windy Shadow offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, but both switches promise a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch with a rich, bassy sound profile and a creamy, frictionless typing experience, the Sunset Yellow might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a mild, approachable typing feel, the Windy Shadow could be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, bottom-out force, and your own preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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