Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for discerning users. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its 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 Silent Linear by Wuque stands out for its innovative stem railings with discreet cutouts that reduce switch noise without traditional silicone dampeners, offering a distinct typing experience that is both tranquil and precise. While the Cloudy Shadow may appeal to those seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience, the WS Silent Linear is ideal for those who value a quiet and efficient work environment. 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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, we see that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorbing nature of nylon, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This similarity in material for the bottom housing means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Cloudy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. This contrast in top housing material will impact the sound produced when pressing down and releasing a key on each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing will provide a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, users will need to consider their preferences for sound profile when selecting between these two switches.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches have identical actuation forces, both requiring None grams to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, they both have a medium-heavy feel of 63.5 grams. This means that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to push the keys down completely. For those who prefer a lighter switch, they may find the Cloudy Shadow to be the better option, as it is slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the WS Silent Linear. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Silent Linear due to its slightly heavier feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing comfort and sensation.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When it comes to pressing down on a key, both switches will give you a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. The length of travel for both switches is the same, ensuring that users will get consistent results in their typing experience.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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
In terms of sound, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. The Cloudy Shadow is noted for its low-pitched sound, which provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone, while the WS Silent Linear is characterized by a muted and subdued sound that minimizes noise and offers a softer typing experience. Despite these slight differences, both switches aim to provide a quiet and balanced typing experience suitable for various settings.
Moving on to feel, both the Cloudy Shadow and the WS Silent Linear switches are described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle and approachable feel, falling in the middle ground in terms of typing intensity. The Cloudy Shadow's bouncy feel due to extended springs contributes to a comfortable typing experience, while the WS Silent Linear's ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts ensure a responsive and satisfying bottom-out without the usual cushioned sensation found in traditional silent switches. Overall, both switches prioritize a comfortable and smooth typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while there are slight differences in sound and feel between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, both switches offer a balanced and neutral sound profile along with a mild and gentle typing experience. Whether you prefer a low-pitched sound with a bouncy feel or a muted and subdued sound with a responsive bottom-out, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience suitable for a variety of users. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both are designed to deliver a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a neutral sound signature with a low-pitched tone and a bouncy feel due to extended springs, the Cloudy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that reduces noise with ingeniously designed stem railings and offers a muted and subdued typing experience without silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Linear could be the better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, so make sure to choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
