Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° 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 their neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Windy Shadows offer a comfortable 55g bottom-out pressure, making them ideal for those who prefer a medium-light touch. On the other hand, Gateron's Zero Degree 0° linear switch revolutionizes silent typing with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. This switch delivers unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. While the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched, mild, and neutral typing experience, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° provides a silent and smooth 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Windy Shadow and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches are ideal for use with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. In terms of sound and feel, users can expect a similar experience with both switches when typing on keys with polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Windy Shadow utilizes nylon, while the Zero Degree 0° also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that the typing experience on the Windy Shadow and the Zero Degree 0° will have a similar deep and full sound due to the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, while the top housing material of the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is the same, their bottom housing materials differ. This results in a complementary balance of sound and feel when typing on the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during a key press, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials contributing to their individual sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Windy Shadow has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, while its actuation force is unspecified. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° has an actuation force of 45 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Zero Degree 0° suggests that it may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Windy Shadow, with its higher bottom out force, may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances commonly favored by gamers for quicker response times. The Windy Shadow is slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Zero Degree 0°. However, the difference of 0.1 mm is minor and may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Windy Shadow or the Zero Degree 0° will depend on personal preference for travel distance - with the Windy Shadow being slightly shorter and the Zero Degree 0° being slightly longer.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is known for its innovative design that absorbs sound and reduces noise, although specific details about its sound profile are not mentioned. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a quiet typing experience, but the Windy Shadow may offer a slightly different sound profile due to its low-pitched nature.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience in a safe middle-ground zone that most users will find approachable. The specific feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is not provided, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of typing experience. However, both switches are designed to provide smoothness and stability during typing, ensuring a comfortable user experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Windy Shadow excels in providing a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° focuses on innovation with its self-padding design and dual-rail structure. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and stability from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the following: if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce, the Windy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, the Zero Degree 0° may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and preferences. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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