Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch. The Cloudy Shadow switch by Aflion is praised for its balanced typing experience, featuring a neutral sound signature and a bouncy feel thanks to extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, it offers quality and innovation to users. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch from Wuque Studio is known for its blend of classic materials and modern engineering, providing a satisfying bounce and a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts love. With a 22mm double-stage spring, it offers effortless keystrokes for a smooth typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that make them appealing choices depending on personal 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 Yellow, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This similarity means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out keys on either switch.
However, the top housing material differs between the two switches. The Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which further enhances the depth and fullness of the sound profile. This difference in top housing materials means that users may notice a variation in sound when releasing keys between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper and sharper sound, while the WS Yellow's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon bottom housing, creating a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out keys. Whether one prefers a brighter sound profile or a deeper one will dictate which switch is the better fit for their needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the WS Yellow's 53 grams. While the actuation force of both switches is not specified, it is clear that the Cloudy Shadow would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, the WS Yellow would be lighter to type on, making it ideal for those who prefer a more gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier touch when typing.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Cloudy Shadow would provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the WS Yellow due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Cloudy Shadow. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the WS Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for keypress depth and response time. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, allowing users to customize their typing experience to their liking.
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 Yellow 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow tone with a moderate actuation force suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a sound signature that is not specified in the provided information, but it is noted to offer a satisfying bounce during typing. This means that while the Cloudy Shadow is known for its specific sound characteristics, the WS Yellow may provide a different yet enjoyable auditory experience that enthusiasts appreciate.
In terms of feel, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience, catering to users who prefer a gentle feel without extreme characteristics. The WS Yellow switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation that mimics gliding across the keys effortlessly. Additionally, the WS Yellow switch is also noted to have a mild feel and a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for an overall refined typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a mild and approachable feel while the WS Yellow provides a silky and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a low-pitched and neutral sound along with a mild typing experience, the WS Yellow stands out for its creamy and polished feel that ensures smooth and effortless keystrokes. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, users can expect to achieve a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with either switch, depending on their individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a creamy, smooth typing experience with a familiar sound signature, the WS Yellow switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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