Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for users to consider. The Cloudy Shadow stands out for its bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the WS Onion features a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive sensation thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. While the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as ['Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'], the WS Onion falls under ['Neutral', 'Buttery', 'Polished']. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the specific design and construction of each switch may still lead to slight differences in sound profile and typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Cloudy Shadow and WS Onion feature nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, the specific design and construction of each switch may still lead to subtle variations in sound and typing feel.
When comparing the overall housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, it is evident that they share similarities in terms of the materials used for both the top and bottom housings. However, the specific design and construction of each switch may still impact the sound profile and typing experience, even if the materials are the same. It is important to consider these factors when choosing between the two switches to ensure that you select the one that best suits your preferences and typing style.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have identical actuation forces of None grams, meaning that both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have a weight of 63.5 grams, categorizing them as medium-heavy switches. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of force needed for both switches. When considering weight, the preference for a lighter or heavier switch depends on individual preferences. Lighter switches are ideal for longer typing sessions and gaming, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing experience. In this case, both switches offer a versatile weight that caters to a range of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Onion. The shorter travel distance of the Cloudy Shadow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the WS Onion's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you are using the switches at home or work. The Cloudy Shadow is noted for its low-pitched tones, which provide a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a crisp and responsive feel with a neutral sound. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or distracting.
When it comes to feel, the Cloudy Shadow is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that the switch provides a gentle feel that is approachable to most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Onion is characterized by a buttery and polished feel. This indicates that the switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The buttery sensation of the WS Onion switches provides a seamless and effortless typing experience that is sure to be satisfying for users seeking a refined key feel.
Overall, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches offer high-quality typing experiences with their own unique characteristics. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a bouncy feel with low-pitched tones, the WS Onion offers a buttery and polished typing sensation. As both switches have a neutral sound profile, users can expect a moderate sound that is suitable for various settings. Whether you choose the Cloudy Shadow for its balanced typing experience or the WS Onion for its smooth and satisfying keystrokes, you can be assured of a quality switch that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a balanced typing experience with a bouncy feel and a neutral sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow with its medium-heavy bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the overall feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
