Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing sensation with its lengthened single-stage spring. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. While the Tourmaline Blue is known for being 'Buttery' and 'Easy-to-press', the Windy Shadow falls into the 'Low-pitched' and 'Mild' categories. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their unique features, catering 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
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
In terms of housing materials, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, while the Windy Shadow employs nylon. This contrast leads to a difference in sound profile, with the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue.
The choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. With both the Tourmaline Blue and the Windy Shadow utilizing polycarbonate top housings, users can expect a similar sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile from these switches. However, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart. The Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound upon bottoming out a key, while the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow produces a deeper and more rounded sound profile. This distinction in bottom housing materials affects the overall typing experience and may appeal to users with different preferences for sound and feedback.
Overall, the housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Aflion Windy Shadow each bring unique characteristics to the table. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that enhance the clarity and sharpness of their sound profiles, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes clear and resonant feedback upon key press, whereas the Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Ultimately, users may prefer one switch over the other based on their individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it's clear that their actuation and bottom out forces vary. The Tourmaline Blue has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Tourmaline Blue provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher forces, while the Windy Shadow offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue 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 terms of travel distance, the Windy Shadow is the shorter option, offering a slightly shallower key press compared to the Tourmaline Blue. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Windy Shadow. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper key press experience may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches provide unique tactile experiences, with the choice between them depending on personal preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a more low-pitched and neutral sound, with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring. While the Tourmaline Blue is more immersive with its unique sound, the Windy Shadow provides a mellower tone that may appeal to those looking for a more subtle typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Tourmaline Blue is known for its buttery and easy-to-press keystrokes, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, it offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. In comparison, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch also provides a mild typing experience, making it comfortable and easy to use for extended periods. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience with qualities that fall into a safe middle-ground zone.
Overall, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer different sound and feel qualities that cater to varying preferences. While the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy feel, the Windy Shadow offers a neutral sound with a comfortable medium-light typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can make a choice between these two switches to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches, consider the following factors. If you are someone who enjoys a deep and thocky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Tourmaline Blue may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a medium-light bottom-out force and a distinctive bounce from the extended spring, the Windy Shadow could be the better option. Additionally, if you are looking for a switch with a buttery, easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue would be a great fit. However, if you prefer a more mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, the Windy Shadow might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and bottom-out force. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and needs.
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