HMX Swift vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Swift and Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features and qualities to consider. The Swift is recognized for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion is praised for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a medium-light feel with a 55g bottom-out. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different preferences, making it a tough choice for keyboard enthusiasts. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Swift and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is evident that they both feature nylon bottom housings. This means that typing on switches from either keyboard will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Swift utilizes nylon while the Windy Shadow opts for polycarbonate. This results in a different sound experience for users, with the Swift offering a duller and rounder sound, while the Windy Shadow produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile.
One key difference between the HMX Swift and the Aflion Windy Shadow lies in their top housing materials. The Swift features a nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Windy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the keyboard's aesthetics. Despite this difference, both keyboards share the same nylon bottom housing, providing users with a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the HMX Swift and Aflion Windy Shadow significantly impacts the sound profiles of the keyboards. While both keyboards feature nylon bottom housings that offer a deep and full sound, the difference arises in their top housing materials. The Swift's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction provides users with varied typing experiences, allowing them to choose the sound profile that best suits their preferences. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbent sound or a sharp and resonant one, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that the Swift is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Windy Shadow is slightly heavier with an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, which may be favored by those who prefer to type for long periods without fatigue. However, the Windy Shadow provides a slightly more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Swift has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow. The Swift's 3.9 mm travel distance falls in between the traditional 4.0 mm and shallower 3.0 mm travel distances, offering a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance is on the shorter side, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches provide a different tactile experience, with the Swift offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a unique deep sound profile with a silky smoothness that is not typically found in linear switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. Depending on personal preference, the deep and smooth sound of the Swift may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience, while the neutral and bouncy sound of the Windy Shadow may be preferable for those who enjoy a bit more feedback while typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Swift linear switch has a reputation for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a light and responsive typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Those who prefer a softer and more subtle feel may gravitate towards the mild characteristics of the Windy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive typing experience may lean towards the various qualities offered by the Swift.
Overall, both the HMX Swift linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deep and smooth sound with a light and feathery feel, or a neutral and bouncy sound with a gentle typing experience, both switches provide options for a personalized keyboarding experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that you can achieve similar results in typing satisfaction regardless of your selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of sound, bottom out force, and typing feel. If you value a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness and a lighter actuation force, the HMX Swift switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce and a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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