Aflion Windy Shadow vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Emerging as a noteworthy manufacturer, Aflion presents its latest switch, the Windy Shadow, a linear switch known for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from its extended spring. With a bottom-out weight of 55g, the Windy Shadow offers a comfortably medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch by BSUN is praised for its delectably chewy typing feel, enveloping fingertips with every press. This switch boasts a bright and clacky sound profile, with a satisfying resonance when keys reach their bottom-out point. While the Windy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral, the Yoel is described as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is essential to explore their individual qualities in more depth before making a decision on which one is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Windy Shadow and the PH Studio Yoel utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switches. Despite both switches using polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference lies in the bottom housing material.
The Windy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Yoel utilizes a POM bottom housing, which provides a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both bottom housings offer a different sound experience, they play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials of these switches ultimately impacts the sound and feel in different ways. The bottom housing material has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material affects the sound as the key is released. While both switches may have similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the choice between a nylon or POM bottom housing will ultimately determine the tactile experience and sound profile of each switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it becomes evident that they have some differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Windy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in this aspect, while the Yoel requires 53 grams to actuate, making it slightly heavier. In terms of bottom out force, the Windy Shadow requires 55 grams, which is a medium-light force, while the Yoel has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Windy Shadow may be the preferred choice. However, for individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Yoel may provide a better typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.2 mm travel distance of the PH Studio Yoel linear switch. While both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of travel distance, the Windy Shadow provides a slightly deeper press compared to the Yoel. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Yoel with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and bright profile with a satisfying and pronounced resonance at the bottom-out point. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also dependent on factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, so users may experience varying results based on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Windy Shadow switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience with qualities that fall in a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Yoel switch is known for its creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation that is enhanced by reduced friction and a refined finish. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Yoel switch may offer a more luxurious and silky feel compared to the Windy Shadow switch.
Overall, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Windy Shadow provides a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Yoel delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy, polished, and silky feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired keyboard experience. If one prefers a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound with a gentle typing feel, the Windy Shadow may be the ideal choice, while those looking for a sharp and clacky sound with a luxurious and smooth typing experience may lean towards the Yoel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, you should consider the level of bottom-out force that suits your preference. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch with a medium-light bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow with its 55g bottom-out may be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound profile combined with a mild typing experience, the Windy Shadow would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a creamy and polished typing experience, the Yoel with its 60g bottom-out may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences for key feel and sound when typing.
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