Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion features a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile from Wuque Studio offers a more profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, along with a satisfying "thocky" sound from nylon housings. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the WS Heavy Tactile is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Both switches have their own unique advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deep and full sound profile for typing on the switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Foggy Shadow has a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of sound characteristics, the choice of housing materials for the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile leads to distinct differences in the overall typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharp and crisp sound when releasing a key, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to the overall sound profile when bottoming out a key. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a unique combination of qualities that influence the sound and feel of typing on each keyboard.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile showcase how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience of a keyboard switch. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, the use of polycarbonate in the Foggy Shadow's top housing creates a distinct sharp and resonant sound compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound when typing, the choice of housing materials in these switches offers a unique and personalized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the WS Heavy Tactile is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams, compared to the Foggy Shadow which has a force of None grams, making it unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile needs 70 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. For users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the WS Heavy Tactile may be the better option. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel might lean towards the Foggy Shadow despite the unknown actuation force. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, with the difference lying in the specific force required for actuation and bottom out.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The Foggy Shadow offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and desired level of responsiveness.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, delivering a mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, giving a sharp and crisp typing experience that is engaging and immersive. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference regarding sound profiles, with the Foggy Shadow offering a more subdued sound compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's vibrant and lively noises.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile characteristics are not specified, leaving some ambiguity about the exact typing experience it offers. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. These qualities indicate a switch that provides a strong tactile bump, responsive feedback, and an overall dynamic feel that can enhance the typing experience. Those looking for a tactile switch with pronounced tactile feedback and a lively response may find the WS Heavy Tactile more appealing.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow offers a more moderate and balanced sound profile, while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a sharp, engaging, and immersive typing experience with its dynamic tactile feel. Depending on whether one prefers a quieter, more neutral typing sound or a lively, pronounced tactile feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two would come down to individual preferences and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a light tactile bump, then the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams and a profound tactile experience with a "thocky" sound, then the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a balanced tactile feel, the Foggy Shadow is a good option. However, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched, resonant sound with accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will be based on your personal preferences for typing experience.
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