Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Jade are two standout mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features and advantages. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, boasts a very light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the WS Jade from Wuque Studio stands out for its use of a metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright, resonant sound profile and a creamy, smooth typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow is best for those looking for a medium-weight tactile switch, the WS Jade is ideal for users seeking a unique sound profile and smooth 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, resulting in unique sound profiles for each switch. The Foggy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a high-pitched sound with clear resonance. In contrast, the WS Jade's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to users who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Foggy Shadow's nylon and the WS Jade's POM housings offer deeper and fuller sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade contributes to its pleasing and unique sound with deeper tones that add to the overall typing experience. While the top housing may influence the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In essence, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Jade may have different top and bottom housing materials, both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to various preferences. Whether you prefer the sharper, high-pitched sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted tones of POM, both switches provide a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and the overall typing feel that each housing material offers.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it a light switch in terms of triggering a keystroke, while the WS Jade requires 50 grams of force to actuate. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the WS Jade's 60 grams. This makes the Foggy Shadow a medium-heavy switch overall, while the WS Jade falls into the medium category in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the WS Jade, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Foggy Shadow.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. These differences may seem minimal, but they can have a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experiences. In this case, the WS Jade has a slightly longer travel distance than the Foggy Shadow. The 0.1 mm variance may not be substantial, but for users who are very particular about their switch preferences, it could make a difference in how they feel and perform. Ultimately, both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick and responsive keystrokes.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and versatile typing experience suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade delivers a clacky, marbly, and resonant sound, giving users a sharp and percussive auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more energetic typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the more subdued tones of the Foggy Shadow or the vibrant sounds of the WS Jade.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force offer a balanced and satisfying typing experience, though specific descriptors for feel are not available. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Jade is known for its silky and creamy typing feel, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. If you prefer a light tactile bump with medium weight, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice, while the WS Jade offers a luxurious typing experience with its creamy and silky feel.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow provides a neutral and low-pitched sound with a balanced tactile bump, while the WS Jade delivers a vibrant and resonant sound alongside a creamy and silky typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound profile and typing experience, you can achieve similar results in terms of quality and performance with either switch, highlighting the diverse options available in the mechanical keyboard market for enthusiasts seeking the perfect switch for their setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Aflion Foggy Shadow may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a unique metallic sound profile with a creamy and smooth typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Jade could be the switch that suits your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preference, and overall typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
