Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, a linear switch, it's important to note the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance with medium weight. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches are known for their smooth, high-pitched typing experience, thanks to the transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the WS Aurora Clear is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Depending on personal preference, one may opt for the Foggy Shadow for its light tactile bump, or the WS Aurora Clear for its smooth and high-pitched typing experience. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material choice is especially beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the bottom housing material sets them apart. The Foggy Shadow incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the WS Aurora Clear opts for a UHWMPE bottom housing, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear directly impacts the sound and feel of typing on these switches. Users can expect a deeper and rounder sound from the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing will produce resonant clacks. This distinction illustrates how the choice of material for the bottom housing can significantly influence the overall typing experience. Also worth noting is the impact of the top housing material on the sound when releasing a key, further highlighting the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials in switch design.
In summary, while both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing delivers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the typing experience can help users make a more informed choice based on their preference for sound and feel when using mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that the Foggy Shadow has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. This means that while the WS Aurora Clear may require slightly more force to trigger a keystroke, the bottoming out experience will be similar for both switches. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Foggy Shadow for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier push of the WS Aurora Clear for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The extra 0.3 mm of travel distance in the Aurora Clear may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the keys compared to the Foggy Shadow. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. So, in terms of travel distance, while the WS Aurora Clear is slightly longer, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Foggy 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 Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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 Foggy Shadow tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. This means that if you prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience, the Foggy Shadow may be more suitable for you, while the WS Aurora Clear will deliver a more pronounced and vibrant typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Foggy Shadow does not have specific descriptors provided, so we can infer that it offers a standard typing experience without any standout characteristics. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as "buttery," "mild," and "polished," indicating a smooth, gentle, and refined typing sensation. These qualities suggest that the WS Aurora Clear switch provides a seamless and effortless typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize smoothness and fluidity in their keystrokes.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a low-pitched sound and a balanced typing sensation, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound and a buttery, polished feel, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch may be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so selecting the one that aligns with your desired typing experience is key in enhancing your overall mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a low-pitched sound and a neutral feel, the Foggy Shadow may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with a buttery, mild, and polished feel, the WS Aurora Clear could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them medium-heavy switches, so it's really about what characteristics you prioritize in your typing experience. Consider your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and key feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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