Durock White Lotus vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock White Lotus and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The White Lotus is a tactile switch that is perfect for those who enjoy a light tactile feedback while typing, making it ideal for work or extended typing sessions. With a delicate tactility and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switches offer a tranquil typing experience with a captivating glow. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow linear switch from Aflion provides a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, giving users a comfortable medium-light feel. While the White Lotus is easy-to-press and subtly tactile, the Windy Shadow is low-pitched and neutral. Both switches have their own strengths and considerations to take into account when choosing the best one for your keyboard setup. 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock White Lotus and the Aflion Windy Shadow both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which is said to have a premium feel. In comparison, the Windy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While both materials offer a distinct sound experience, the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow is known for its clearer and more resonant sound due to its stiffness, while the PC & UPE Blend of the White Lotus provides a unique and premium feel.
Interestingly, both switches have a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile. This material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the identical bottom housing material, the overall sound and feel of the switches may differ due to the unique qualities of their top housings. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper typing experience, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it is essential to note how each material affects different aspects of the switch's sound profile. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, the unique combinations of PC & UPE Blend and nylon in the White Lotus, and polycarbonate and nylon in the Windy Shadow, each contribute to a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the White Lotus requiring 56 grams and the Windy Shadow needing 55 grams. The White Lotus provides a medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a similarly medium-light feel, making it suitable for users looking for a balance between a tactile response and a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the White Lotus being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
The Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the key press, the White Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly quicker response time and a shorter travel distance, the Windy Shadow may be more suitable. Both switches offer different tactile feedback and actuation points, so it ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, while the travel distances are slightly different between the two switches, both can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your specific preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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, both the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch are described as having low-pitched and neutral profiles. This means that they both offer a bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
Moving on to feel, the White Lotus tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, offering a gentle resistance and light typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches fall within the realm of approachable and comfortable typing experiences, with the White Lotus offering a slightly more varied profile in terms of resistance and feedback compared to the Windy Shadow.
In conclusion, both the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the White Lotus excels in providing a delicate tactility and customizable RGB lighting effects, the Windy Shadow stands out for its distinctive bounce and moderate actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and additional features such as lighting customization. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a delicate tactility with a balanced bottom-out force and vibrant RGB lighting, the White Lotus may be the perfect choice for your work or typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Windy Shadow's medium-light bottom-out force might suit your needs better. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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