Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct options for different typing preferences. The Viola Tricolor is renowned for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, providing a satisfying tactility without being overly tactile. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow linears by Aflion offer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from their extended spring mechanism. The Viola Tricolor is best suited for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback, while the Windy Shadow is ideal for individuals who prefer a smooth and consistent 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor and the Windy Shadow differ in their bottom housing material, with the former using nylon and the latter also employing nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While the Viola Tricolor and the Windy Shadow have similar polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing also offers a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The top and bottom housings play a significant role in how the switch sounds and feels when pressed, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Aflion Windy Shadow both utilize polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing also delivers a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. The combination of different housing materials in switches allows for a distinct sound and feel when typing, with each material contributing unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes them similar in terms of actuation, but different in terms of bottom out force. The Viola Tricolor is heavier in terms of bottom out force, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial typing experience, while the Windy Shadow is lighter, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force.
Travel distance
The comparison between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch reveals that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Windy Shadow's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular for their quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow for its rapid feedback. On the other hand, those looking for a switch with a bit more depth and resistance may opt for the Viola Tricolor with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience with a lower frequency range. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch produces a more neutral and low-pitched sound, making it suitable for various settings due to its moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a bassy tone or a more neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as providing an accented and invigorating typing experience, offering a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. This switch delivers a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation for users who enjoy pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentler feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback and actuation force, so your preference will depend on whether you prefer a more invigorating typing experience or a milder feel while typing.
Overall, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Viola Tricolor switch excels in providing a satisfyingly bassy sound profile and an invigorating tactile feel, while the Windy Shadow switch offers a more neutral sound and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a punchier, more tactile typing experience with a bassy sound profile, or a gentler typing experience with a more neutral sound. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from both options.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce, the Windy Shadow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience you desire, whether it be characterized by sharp tactility and a rich sound (Viola Tricolor) or a comfortable and smooth typing feel (Windy Shadow).
Mentioned in this article
