Gazzew U4Tx vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4Tx and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across two popular options: the Gazzew U4Tx, a tactile switch, and the Aflion Windy Shadow, a linear switch. The U4Tx is hailed for its unique combination of features, offering a blend of a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, paired with a quiet topping out sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion is praised for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring. While the U4Tx provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, the Windy Shadow offers a comfortable medium-light feel with its 55g bottom-out. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
62.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew U4Tx and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it's clear that they offer different sound profiles based on their top housing materials. The U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users looking for a specific sound profile. However, if you are looking for a switch with RGB lighting capabilities, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing would be the better option due to its translucency.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both switches offer a deep and rich sound profile. The U4Tx's Gazzew blend bottom housing and the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing both contribute to a softer sound profile that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the nylon bottom housing is described as a classic switch housing material, the Gazzew blend bottom housing also offers a similar sound profile due to its softness. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when comparing the bottom housing materials of these switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gazzew U4Tx and the Aflion Windy Shadow will depend on the specific sound profile that users are looking for in their switches. The Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing provides a rich and deep sound profile, while the Aflion Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Both switches offer a deep and rich sound profile with their bottom housing materials, with the Gazzew blend bottom housing and the nylon bottom housing contributing to a softer and more absorbent sound. Ultimately, users will need to consider their sound preferences and aesthetic preferences when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the U4Tx has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's lighter 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, making it challenging to determine the exact difference in this aspect. However, based on the bottom out forces alone, it can be inferred that the U4Tx provides a more substantial typing experience, while the Windy Shadow offers a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for a heavier or lighter actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow for faster response times, while those seeking a more robust feel may opt for the U4Tx with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the specific feel and response desired in a keyboard.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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 Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a bassy and muted profile, providing a deep and rich sound during key presses while keeping noise levels to a minimum. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch presents a low-pitched and neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the U4Tx focusing on a deeper tone and the Windy Shadow offering a more mellow sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is described as providing a sharp tactile feedback with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each key press. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The U4Tx emphasizes a high feedback intensity, ideal for those seeking a prominent tactile response, while the Windy Shadow provides a comfortable middle-ground typing experience that suits a wider range of users.
Overall, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The U4Tx delivers a luxurious typing experience with a bassy sound and sharp tactile feedback, while the Windy Shadow provides a balanced sound profile and a mild typing experience suitable for various users. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches offer their own unique benefits for an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience. Whether opting for the deep "thock" of the U4Tx or the neutral bounce of the Windy Shadow, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a luxurious typing experience with a clean and refined sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. The sharp, satisfying tactile bump and the deep, resonant "thock" make each keypress a delight. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound profile and a comfortable medium-light bottom-out force, the Aflion Windy Shadow would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and acoustics or a smoother typing experience with a neutral sound. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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