Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer unique features worth exploring. The Cloudy Shadow linear switches are praised for their neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, making them ideal for those who prefer a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches are known for their smooth, high-pitched typing feel and maximum RGB lighting customization thanks to the transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. While the Cloudy Shadow switches offer a mild and neutral typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear switches provide a buttery, high-pitched, and polished feel. Both switches have their own strengths and 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
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housing material means that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Cloudy Shadow utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material that results in a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. These differences in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of each switch.
When considering the overall typing experience, it's important to recognize how the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials come into play. The bottom housing material has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear will offer distinct typing experiences based on their unique housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, one key difference lies in the actuation force. The Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires very little force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier and providing a bit more resistance. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which indicates that they will feel equally firm when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better option, as it requires less force during actuation. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a slightly heavier actuation force for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a bit more depth, which could be preferred by those who find shorter travel distances too abrupt. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Cloudy 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 Cloudy Shadow for $3.91.
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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 comparing the Cloudy Shadow and WS Aurora Clear switches, the sound of the Cloudy Shadow is low-pitched and neutral, offering a more balanced and mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile. Depending on personal preference, the Cloudy Shadow may appeal to those who prefer a more relaxed tone, while the WS Aurora Clear may be favored by those who enjoy a more vibrant and distinct sound while typing. As with any switch, the sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Cloudy Shadow is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear is also noted for its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation. Those looking for a more gentle and refined typing feel may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow, while those seeking a buttery and effortless typing experience may find the WS Aurora Clear to be more appealing.
Overall, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and mild feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users. In comparison, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with a buttery feel and polished finish, catering to those who prefer a more distinct sound and effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences. If one is looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel between the two switches, choosing the Cloudy Shadow for a more neutral and mild experience, or the WS Aurora Clear for a high-pitched and buttery feel, would likely yield satisfying results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force and a balanced typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched sound with a smooth and buttery typing sensation, the WS Aurora Clear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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