Jerrzi Violet vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Violet and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Violet and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer unique features for different typing preferences. The Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch recognized for its smooth actuation and satisfying tactility, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. 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, offering a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Violet and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the two switches differ in their bottom housings. The Violet utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow also has a nylon bottom housing with similar characteristics, creating a consistent typing experience in terms of sound.
While both the Jerrzi Violet and the Aflion Windy Shadow have polycarbonate top housings that provide a clear and resonant sound profile, their nylon bottom housings offer a contrast in sound experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Violet produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing leads to a similar sound profile with a duller and rounder tone. Despite this difference, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent between the two switches. This means that while the sound characteristics may vary slightly, the overall typing experience on both switches is likely to be similar in terms of sound quality and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Jerrzi Violet and the Aflion Windy Shadow affects the sound profile and typing experience in different ways. Both switches benefit from the polycarbonate top housing for its sharp and crisp sound, as well as its translucency for RGB lighting effects. The nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound on the Violet, while the Windy Shadow's bottom housing leads to a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, the impact of each housing material on the typing experience is evenly distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, ensuring a balanced and consistent sound profile.
Weight
The Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Windy Shadow requires a heavier force of 55 grams, while the Violet has an unknown bottom out force. The difference in actuation force may result in a lighter typing experience with the Violet switch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow may provide a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Violet has a slightly longer travel distance, making it the longer option compared to the Windy Shadow. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter Windy Shadow would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key, the slightly longer Violet switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results and cater to different preferences in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a neutral acoustic profile that provides a pleasant typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch produces a low-pitched tone, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow element to the typing sound. Both switches have a neutral overall sound signature, making them versatile options for various environments and preferences.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Violet switch features a stepped tactile experience with a smooth actuation and poppy tactility that creates a satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a mild linear feel that is comfortable and approachable to most users. While the Violet switch provides a more distinct tactile sensation, the Windy Shadow switch offers a gentler typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactility.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Violet switch excels in providing a smooth and tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Windy Shadow switch delivers a mild feel accompanied by a low-pitched typing sound. Depending on your personal preference for tactility and sound, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth actuation with pleasing tactility and a balanced sound signature, the Violet may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable medium-light bottom-out force combined with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Windy Shadow could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to determine what feels best for you during your typing sessions.
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