Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, a linear switch, both offer unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to consider. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion distinguishes itself with a light tactile bump and a medium weight of 63.5g, showcasing balanced performance in Aflion's growing switch lineup. On the other hand, the WS Onion from Wuque Studio boasts a buttery smooth keystroke feel thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing construction. While the Foggy Shadow offers a neutral sound profile and a low-pitched feel, the WS Onion provides a polished and neutral typing experience. Both switches have their appeal and strengths, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both share polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more resonant sound, making it ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the differences arise in the bottom housing material used for each switch. The Foggy Shadow uses a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the WS Onion also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience.
The nylon bottom housing of both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This quality is evident in both switches, allowing for a more enjoyable typing experience with a satisfying sound profile. While the top housing material may differ between the switches, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing results in a similar tactile and auditory experience.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is clear that both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion offer a unique blend of qualities. The bottom housing material, whether nylon in both cases, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material, polycarbonate in this instance, influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite minor differences in construction, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound profile thanks to the combination of different housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of None grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Onion also requires 63.5 grams. This makes both switches fall into the category of medium-heavy switches in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter feel while typing, the actuation force of both switches being None grams means that they will likely get similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may favor the heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams provided by both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion may come down to personal preference for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch. This means that the Foggy Shadow will provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the WS Onion. Gamers and individuals looking for a faster typing experience may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press and a longer travel distance may opt for the WS Onion switch. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Foggy Shadow being shorter and the WS Onion being longer in 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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion also presents a neutral sound profile, ensuring a moderate actuation force requirement and a versatile sound suitable for all users. Depending on the user's preference, both switches can deliver a satisfying auditory experience that complements their typing style.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow does not have specific descriptors provided, leaving room for interpretation based on user experience. However, the Wuque Studio WS Onion is described as offering a buttery and polished feel, indicating a smooth and refined keystroke experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. For users who prioritize a seamless and effortless typing sensation, the WS Onion linear switch may be the preferred choice.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow emphasizes a balanced performance and a light tactile bump accompanied by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the WS Onion stands out for its buttery smooth keystroke feel and polished finish. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a switch. If you prioritize a light tactile bump and a low-pitched sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a polished finish for reduced friction, the WS Onion switch could be the more suitable option. Consider your typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and the overall typing experience you are looking for when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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