Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are both tactile switches that offer unique features for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Foggy Shadow by 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 Light Tactile switches by Wuque Studio are praised for their smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile switches are known for being easy to press, making typing a breeze. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, making them great options for various 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness allows for a clear and resonant sound, ideal for users who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is beneficial for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through the housing. By using polycarbonate in their top housings, both switches offer users a similar auditory and aesthetic experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and quality. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent and satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
In summary, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile share similar polycarbonate top housings, their choice of nylon bottom housings sets them apart in terms of sound depth and texture. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with different materials contributing to the overall sound profile. Whether users prioritize a crisper sound from the top housing or a fuller sound from the bottom housing, both switches cater to varying preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Foggy Shadow switch more medium-heavy in terms of pressure needed to fully press the key, while the WS Light Tactile switch is lighter. However, both switches have relatively light actuation forces, with the WS Light Tactile switch having an actuation force of 45 grams and the Foggy Shadow switch having an unknown actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Light Tactile switch would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch would appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Foggy Shadow offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a more responsive typing experience, such as gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer different travel distances to cater to various preferences, with the Foggy Shadow being slightly shorter and the WS Light Tactile being slightly longer in comparison. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preference and typing style.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for various settings and user preferences. The low-pitched sound of the Foggy Shadow adds a touch of bass-heavy tones, while the WS Light Tactile maintains smoothness with a snappy tactile bump, providing a pleasant typing experience without unnecessary noise distractions. Ultimately, users can expect a similar sound experience from both switches, depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the Foggy Shadow is praised for its light tactile bump, offering a balanced performance with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile features a stepped tactile sensation, providing a more gentle resistance during key presses with easy-to-press characteristics that reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Foggy Shadow focuses on a light tactile bump, the WS Light Tactile offers a more subtle and easy-to-press response, catering to users who prefer a lighter touch when typing.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches bring unique qualities to the table. While the Foggy Shadow excels in its light tactile bump and neutral sound profile, the WS Light Tactile offers a stepped tactile sensation and easy-to-press characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preferences in terms of tactile feel and sound, but rest assured that both switches provide reliable and satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom-out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a low-pitched sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter 50-gram bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, along with a stepped and easy-to-press tactile feel, the WS Light Tactile switch may be the more suitable choice. 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.