Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on ice. Categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', these switches provide a luxurious feel for those who enjoy a seamless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce, thanks to its extended spring. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', these switches offer a comfortable medium-light feel with a 55g bottom-out. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
62g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal choices for users who prioritize a clear and resonant sound when typing. However, the Aflion Windy Shadow distinguishes itself by incorporating a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those looking for a softer typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Windy Shadow feature clear housings made of polycarbonate, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. While the top housing has a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a key role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Users can expect a more pronounced typing experience based on the combination of materials used in each switch, with the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow offering a different tactile feel compared to the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Windy Shadow showcase the unique characteristics of their housing materials to provide users with distinct typing experiences. While they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing to achieve a sharp and resonant sound profile, the Windy Shadow sets itself apart by incorporating a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. Whether users prefer the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the softer, rounder sound of nylon, both switches offer a level of customization in sound and feel that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to the individual user's preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to the user. The Aqua King (V3) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Windy Shadow, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Aqua King (V3) has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Aqua King (V3) provides a more consistent typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, while the Windy Shadow offers a lighter touch that may be preferred by those who enjoy a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Windy Shadow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua King. The slightly shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow may provide a faster response time, which can be preferred by gamers seeking quick reactions. On the other hand, the Aqua King offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow presents a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired sound experience, with the Aqua King offering a quieter typing experience and the Windy Shadow providing a bit more character and bounce to the sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, offering smooth and effortless key presses like gliding on ice. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow provides a mild and gentle typing experience, with qualities that lie in a safe, middle-ground zone suitable for most users. Depending on individual preferences, the Aqua King may be preferred for its exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel, while the Windy Shadow appeals to those looking for a comfortable medium-light typing experience.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King provides a smoother and quieter typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice, the Windy Shadow offers a mild and comfortable typing feel with a bit more character in its sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so choosing between them would depend on the type of typing experience one is looking for. Whether opting for the Aqua King or the Windy Shadow, users can expect a high-quality linear switch that enhances their overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a typing experience that feels frictionless, akin to gliding on ice, then the Aqua King (V3) may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, along with a neutral sound profile, then the Aflion Windy Shadow switch may be more your style. Both switches offer unique characteristics and a smooth typing experience, so it ultimately depends on what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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