Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch stand out as notable options. The Cloudy Shadow switches are praised for their neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs that provide a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches offer a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, with a medium-light actuation force for a comfortable and responsive typing experience, coupled with a delightful auditory experience. While these general points give an overview of each switch, diving deeper into their specifics will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, one key difference is in the materials used for the top housing. The Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature. While the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing may produce a clearer and resonant sound, the WS Brown's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cloudy Shadow and the WS Brown use nylon for this component. This choice of material in the bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite a shared material in the bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may still lead to subtle variations in sound and feel when typing.
In terms of overall sound characteristics, the choice of housing material in both the Cloudy Shadow and the WS Brown plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Cloudy Shadow produces a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon top housing of the WS Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound. The differences in material properties between the two switches highlight how housing materials can impact the typing experience, influencing the overall feel and sound of the switches. Whether it's the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate or the duller and rounder sound of nylon, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered to be medium-heavy, while the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but it is clear that the Cloudy Shadow requires a heavier force to bottom out compared to the WS Brown. This means that the Cloudy Shadow will provide a more substantial typing experience, while the WS Brown will offer a lighter touch. Depending on individual preferences, some may prefer the lighter feel of the WS Brown for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier Cloudy Shadow for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. The Cloudy Shadow offers a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Brown provides a slightly deeper travel distance which may feel more substantial to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the overall typing experience desired.
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 Brown comes in at $3.50 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 Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Both switches may provide a pleasant auditory experience, depending on factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. With its bouncy feel due to extended springs, typists can enjoy a balanced and comfortable typing experience. The Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch's feel characteristics are unknown, but given its medium-light actuation force, it likely provides a responsive and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a low-pitched, neutral sound and a mild, bouncy feel, the WS Brown likely offers a different auditory and tactile experience. Typists looking for a balanced typing experience may prefer the Cloudy Shadow, while those seeking a mix of familiarity and innovation may opt for the WS Brown. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a bouncy feel with a neutral sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a tactile feedback with a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the WS Brown might be the better option. Consider how you type, the sound profile you prefer, and the overall typing experience you are looking for when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing needs.
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