Aflion Windy Shadow vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Emerging as a noteworthy manufacturer, Aflion presents its latest linear switch, the Windy Shadows, known for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring. With a bottom-out weight of 55g, these switches offer a comfortably medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is designed for those seeking a delicate typing experience, especially for extended periods. The Yanyu's material blend creates a crisp sound profile, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers unique qualities 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Windy Shadow, specifically the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, offer a unique combination of sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a more balanced sound profile that is both bright and pleasant. Despite these differences, both switches offer a variety of sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the Aflion Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend housing may not offer the same level of translucency but provides a unique and interesting look. The use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch can also affect the overall feel and sound when typing, with each material contributing its own distinct characteristics.
While the housing materials of the Aflion Windy Shadow and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in composition, they both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Windy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a contrast between sharpness and depth in sound, while the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a more balanced and pleasant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Windy Shadow and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light, while the Yanyu is lighter with a bottom out force of 43 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but based on the bottom out force alone, it can be inferred that the Yanyu is lighter than the Windy Shadow. Weight is crucial as it determines the feel of typing - lighter switches are suitable for longer typing sessions, while heavier switches provide a more robust typing experience. In this case, those preferring a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Yanyu, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Yanyu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow. Typically, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quicker key presses. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for the specific travel distance that feels most comfortable and responsive to the user.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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, both the Aflion Windy Shadow and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer a neutral profile, making them versatile options for various typing environments. The Windy Shadow is characterized by a low-pitched tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the Yanyu boasts a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. Depending on personal preference and setup, users can choose between a more gentle and subdued sound with the Windy Shadow or a more pronounced and satisfying thocky sound with the Yanyu.
Moving on to feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The Windy Shadow provides a gentle and approachable typing feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Yanyu offers a feathery touch, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers and reducing strain during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is described as subtle and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Windy Shadow and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer similar neutral sound profiles and mild typing experiences, they each have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Users seeking a more bass-heavy and mellow sound may prefer the Windy Shadow, while those looking for a deep and satisfying thocky sound could opt for the Yanyu. Additionally, the feathery and polished qualities of the Yanyu switch make it ideal for users who value a light and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide reliable performance and comfort for a variety of typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone, the Windy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a neutral sound profile with a thocky sound, and a feathery, subtle, and polished typing feel, the Yanyu may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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