TKC Tangerine vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TKC Tangerine and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TKC Tangerine and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Tangerine is renowned for its smooth feel and high-pitched clack, thanks to the UHWMPE housings. It offers a 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished' typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a unique tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out feel. With a categorization of 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Windy Shadow appeals to those seeking a more subdued 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Tangerine and the Aflion Windy Shadow differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, providing a bright and resonant sound signature when typing. In contrast, the Windy Shadow features polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile that is enhanced by the stiffness of the material. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the UHWMPE of the Tangerine leans more towards a bright and resonant clack, while the polycarbonate of the Windy Shadow delivers a higher-pitched and clear sound experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top and bottom housing may not offer the translucency and visual appeal of polycarbonate used in the Windy Shadow. The clear housing of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, giving the Windy Shadow a visually striking appearance. However, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing still provides a modern and sleek design that complements a variety of keyboard setups. Additionally, while the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow absorbs more sound and creates a deeper sound profile, the UHWMPE of the Tangerine offers a brighter and more resonant typing experience.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TKC Tangerine and the Aflion Windy Shadow result in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience. Whether it be the bright and resonant clacks of the UHWMPE in the Tangerine or the sharper and crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate in the Windy Shadow, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound signature, material composition, and visual appeal.
Weight
The TKC Tangerine linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both have an actuation force of None grams, making them similar in that aspect. However, the Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter. The weight of a switch is important as it can impact typing comfort and fatigue. Lighter switches like the Windy Shadow may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches like the Tangerine can provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Tangerine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel or a shorter travel distance for faster response times.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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
When it comes to sound, the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers a high-pitched clack that provides a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more vibrant sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch produces a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound that is comfortable for most users. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between the two will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a high-pitched or low-pitched sound in your mechanical keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the TKC Tangerine linear switch stands out for its frictionless, buttery, and polished attributes, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. This results in a fluid and refined typing sensation that can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a milder typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users, making it a versatile option for those seeking a comfortable and consistent typing feel.
Overall, the TKC Tangerine and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the TKC Tangerine excels in providing a high-pitched sound with a frictionless and buttery feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow offers a neutral sound profile with a milder typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, so choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and typing feel. Ultimately, no matter which switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that will elevate your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the TKC Tangerine linear switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, a high-pitched sound profile, and a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, then the TKC Tangerine would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams, a low-pitched or neutral sound profile, and a mild typing experience, then the Aflion Windy Shadow would be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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