Jwick Taro vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Taro and Aflion Windy Shadow offer unique typing experiences for different preferences. The Jwick Taro is a tactile switch that provides a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is a linear switch known for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring. The Windy Shadow also has a comfortable medium-light bottom-out at 55g. While the Taro switch is best for those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a snappy feel, the Windy Shadow is perfect for those seeking a smooth and quiet 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Jwick Taro and the Aflion Windy Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, polycarbonate is particularly useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. Despite both switches utilizing the same material for the top housing, subtle differences in design and construction may still affect the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the Taro and the Windy Shadow differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Taro featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Windy Shadow also using nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as the softer plastic material absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, variations in design and construction may impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.
When considering the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Taro and Windy Shadow switches results in a unique sound profile that combines the sharpness of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon for a dynamic typing experience.
Weight
The Jwick Taro tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. This means that the Taro requires more pressure to fully press down compared to the Windy Shadow. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, so it's uncertain how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter Windy Shadow for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier Taro for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Taro is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Windy Shadow is lighter, providing users with different options based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow may appeal to those looking for quick and precise keystrokes, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Taro may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile with moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience in terms of sound, with the Taro showcasing a medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks, while the Windy Shadow presents a distinctive bounce from its extended spring.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as offering a buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. This switch also has a stepped feel, offering two stages of tactile feedback for a more nuanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with gentle characteristics that appeal to a wide range of users. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, with the Taro offering a more distinctive tactile experience compared to the smoother feel of the Windy Shadow.
In conclusion, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. The Taro switch is best suited for those who prefer a moderate and tactile typing experience, while the Windy Shadow switch is ideal for users looking for a smoother and more neutral typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but users can expect quality and comfort from both options.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with a snappy feedback, then the Taro switches would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear typing experience with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, then the Windy Shadow switches would be more suitable. Additionally, consider the sound profile you prefer: the Taro offers a neutral sound while the Windy Shadow provides a low-pitched tone. Ultimately, your choice should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you during your typing sessions.
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