Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, boasts a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out. Its neutral sound signature adds to the overall balance, making it an invigorating yet neutral option for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow, a linear switch, features a distinctive bounce from its extended spring and a 55g bottom-out for a comfortably medium-light typing experience. With a low-pitched, mild, and neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow provides a different typing sensation compared to the Thunder Shadow. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Aflion Windy Shadow are quite similar, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in housings contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding aesthetic appeal to the switches. Both switches offer these qualities, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Thunder Shadow and the Windy Shadow differ, with the Thunder Shadow featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. While both switches offer a unique sound profile due to their bottom housing materials, the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience compared to the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Aflion Thunder Shadow offers a diverse sound profile, with the stiffness of polycarbonate contributing to a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on keys, and the softness of nylon adding a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out keys. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow's consistent use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing provides a more uniform sound profile throughout typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Thunder Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. Additionally, the actuation force for both switches is not specified. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter touch of the Windy Shadow for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier feel of the Thunder Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer a variety of options for different preferences, allowing users to select the switch that best suits their typing needs.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress feel when using either switch. In conclusion, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which one you choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder 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 Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow and Windy Shadow switches offer different auditory experiences. The Thunder Shadow provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and typing preferences. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their acoustic needs.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Thunder Shadow offers an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel. This switch provides moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation. Conversely, the Windy Shadow offers a milder typing experience with a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out weight. Its gentle characteristics make it approachable to a wider range of users, providing a safe middle-ground feel for typing.
Overall, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and Windy Shadow switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Thunder Shadow provides a more invigorating typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump and neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow offers a milder feel with a low-pitched sound signature. Both switches showcase Aflion's dedication to innovation and provide users with options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Thunder Shadow or Windy Shadow, you can expect a high-quality switch that meets your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced tactile bump for an invigorating typing sensation, the Thunder Shadow is the way to go. However, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a gentle typing experience and a distinctive bounce from the extended spring, then the Windy Shadow is the better choice. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you when typing.
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