Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are both tactile switches that offer unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion provides a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the WS Brown by Wuque Studio offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience with its nylon housing and POM stem combination. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the WS Brown's categorization is not specified. Both switches have their strengths, but ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual preferences and typing habits. 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
55g
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
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The nylon material's softness allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity means that both switches offer a tactile typing experience with a more subdued sound on bottom-out.
In contrast, the Aflion Foggy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilizes nylon for this component. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal material for switches intended for aesthetic customization. On the other hand, nylon's softer nature in the top housing of the WS Brown results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a more muted and rounded sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in material, they each offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. Polycarbonate in the top housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a distinct sharp and resonant sound, while nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Conversely, the WS Brown's nylon top and bottom housings produce a consistent deep sound profile throughout typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing activities.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch both have a similar actuation force of None grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow is heavier at 63.5 grams, while the WS Brown is lighter at 55 grams. This makes the WS Brown a better choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter switch should opt for the WS Brown, while those who prefer a heavier switch should consider the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Foggy Shadow's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for quick response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the WS Brown, while those who prefer a slightly shallower press may favor the Foggy Shadow. Overall, both switches offer similar performance, and the choice between them will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Brown 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 Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience, giving off a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience cherished by enthusiasts, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination, offering a blend of comfort and responsiveness.
In terms of feel, unfortunately, specific information about the subjective qualities of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches is not provided. Without this information, it is difficult to directly compare the tactile feel of these two switches.
Taking into consideration the available information, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches seem to offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow boasts a light tactile bump and a moderate weight, the WS Brown strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, providing a harmonious typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches are likely to deliver satisfactory results depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the WS Brown may be the more suitable option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual preferences and typing needs.