Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow stands out for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs and 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and innovative typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red showcases a double-stage spring design for a responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, adding weight and satisfaction to each keystroke. While both switches offer distinct advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference 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
67g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Red, one can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as typing on nylon housings typically elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. However, the top housing of the Cloudy Shadow is made of polycarbonate, while the WS Red features a nylon top housing. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, contrary to the WS Red's nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound.
The different top housing materials used in the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Red result in distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a more resonant and clear sound, ideal for users who prefer a sharper typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that may appeal to a different set of users. Despite both switches featuring nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in top housing materials significantly impacts the overall typing experience for each switch.
In understanding how the top and bottom housing materials of a switch affect the typing experience, it becomes clear that the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Red offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing choices. The split between polycarbonate and nylon housing in the Cloudy Shadow versus the WS Red results in a more resonant and clear sound for the former and a deeper and fuller sound for the latter. Whether users prefer a sharper, crisper typing experience or a softer, rounder sound profile, the choice of housing materials in these switches will influence the overall feel and sound of typing on each device.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch both have similar actuation forces, as they are both unknown. However, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier. The Cloudy Shadow may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for long periods of typing, while the WS Red may be better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience for users looking for a switch with a bit of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a more responsive keypress. On the other hand, the WS Red provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may offer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress 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 Red 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
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. The extended springs in the Cloudy Shadow switches provide a bouncy feel, creating a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch features a 22mm double-stage spring that delivers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, adding weight to each keystroke for a satisfying feel. While the sound and feel of these two switches differ in terms of pitch and actuation force, both provide enjoyable typing experiences with their unique characteristics.
When comparing the Cloudy Shadow and WS Red switches, it is essential to consider personal preferences in sound and feel. The Cloudy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience with a more gentle feel, perfect for users who prefer a softer touch when typing. On the other hand, the WS Red switch provides a bouncier and more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of weight behind each keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different typing preferences. Whether you prefer a low-pitched, neutral sound with a bouncy feel or a bouncier, heavier typing experience, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance your typing pleasure. By considering your personal preferences in sound and feel, you can select the switch that best suits your typing style and enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either the Cloudy Shadow or WS Red switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a bouncy feel with a neutral sound signature and a moderate bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force that still provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature, the WS Red with its 67g bottom-out force may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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