Kailh Sage vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options on the market are the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch. The Sage switches offer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, making them invigorating and crunchy. On the other hand, the Windy Shadows linears from Aflion provide a neutral sound profile with a bounce from their extended spring, offering a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may appeal to 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Sage and the Aflion Windy Shadow, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through the clear housing, making it aesthetically pleasing. This similarity in housing material means that users can expect a consistent sound experience between the two switches.
However, the key point of difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. The Sage utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics to the Sage. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a uniform typing experience for users of both switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Kailh Sage and the Aflion Windy Shadow results in a unique sound profile that balances sharpness and depth. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound experience. This mix of housing materials in the two switches provides users with a diverse typing experience that caters to different sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that there are some significant differences. The Sage switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Windy Shadow switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is not specified for either switch. In terms of weight, the Windy Shadow switch is lighter, which may be preferred by some users for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Sage switch's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch is slightly longer at 3.6mm compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5mm. While the difference in distance is minimal, it can still influence the typing or gaming experience for some users. The Sage offers just a slightly deeper press compared to the Windy Shadow. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the keyboard market. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate which switch is preferred - with the Sage providing a slightly deeper feel and the Windy Shadow offering a slightly quicker response time.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a crunchy and sharp clickiness, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a mellow and bass-heavy tone. Depending on your preference, the Sage will give you a more pronounced clicky typing experience, while the Windy Shadow offers a more subdued and moderate sound suitable for various environments.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp, providing a firm actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience, with a more gentle tactile feedback compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. If you prefer a switch with a strong and crisp tactile bump, the Sage would be the way to go, whereas the Windy Shadow provides a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users.
Overall, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a crunchy and sharp clickiness with pronounced feedback, the Sage is the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Windy Shadow would be a suitable option. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will get a satisfying typing experience based on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a distinct clicky typing experience and a heavier bottom-out force, then the Kailh Sage switch would be a great choice for you. The sharp clickiness and medium-heavy weight of the Sage switches provide an invigorating and sharp typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, then the Aflion Windy Shadow switch would be more suitable for you. The Windy Shadow switches offer a comfortable medium-light feel with a distinctive bounce from their extended spring, providing a mild and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force.
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