Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Aflion Foggy Shadow is a tactile switch that offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear is a linear switch that prioritizes noise reduction without the use of silicone dampeners, providing a unique typing experience that is both quiet and precise. While the Foggy Shadow is best suited for those who prefer a tactile typing experience, the WS Silent Linear is ideal for individuals looking for a silent switch option without sacrificing responsiveness. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to stiffer plastics. This quality is consistent across both switches, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel.
On the other hand, the top housing material differs between the two switches, with the Foggy Shadow utilizing polycarbonate and the WS Silent Linear featuring a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiff nature that leads to clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer characteristics that absorb more sound. These differences in top housing material significantly impact the sound when releasing a key, providing distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
In terms of aesthetics and additional features, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow is transparent, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. This allows for a visually appealing typing experience with customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear does not offer the same transparency and RGB lighting capabilities. While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the Foggy Shadow stands out for its visual appeal and potential for enhanced customization through lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. However, the actuation force of both switches is unknown. Despite the lack of information on actuation force, we can assume that the results would be similar due to the matching bottom out force. In terms of weight, both switches offer a moderate resistance that is not too light or too heavy. This makes them suitable for individuals who prefer a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent travel distance of 3.5 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and actuation experience due to their identical travel distances. So, whether you choose the Foggy Shadow or the WS Silent Linear, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Silent Linear 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, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches both offer a neutral profile, making them versatile options suitable for various environments. The Foggy Shadow produces a low-pitched sound, which is bass-heavy and mellow, while the WS Silent Linear has a muted and subdued sound, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. The choice between the two would come down to personal preference regarding sound preferences, as both switches cater to different auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Foggy Shadow's tactile bump may offer a more pronounced typing experience compared to the WS Silent Linear's mild linear feel. The Foggy Shadows are known for their light tactile bump at 63.5g bottom-out force, adding a subtle tactile feedback to each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear provides a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, offering a smooth linear feel that prioritizes quiet operation and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for tactile feedback or a smoother linear action.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Foggy Shadow emphasizes a light tactile bump and low-pitched sound, the WS Silent Linear focuses on quiet operation and a mild linear feel. Depending on whether one prioritizes tactile feedback or silence during typing sessions, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches on different boards and keycap setups may yield similar results in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to personalize their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light tactile bump and medium weight, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers reduced noise levels without silicone dampeners and provides a seamless typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear would be the ideal option for you. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience when choosing between these two switches, as they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options depending on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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