Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer two distinct typing experiences. If you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect for you. With its long, two-staged spring, these switches provide deep, resonating thocks and a satisfyingly sharp feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches are an excellent choice. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, this switch allows for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a buttery keystroke. 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
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear share a common material for their top housing - polycarbonate. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Furthermore, the polycarbonate top housing, being translucent, is particularly advantageous if RGB lighting is to be used, as it allows for a visually appealing display of colors. Thus, the sound and aesthetic properties of the switches are similar due to the shared material in their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, there is a notable contrast between the two switches. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate in its bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear features a newer material called UHWMPE. The polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. Conversely, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear produces a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. This distinction implies that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will differ, with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offering a more typical polycarbonate quality, and the WS Aurora Clear providing a unique auditory experience due to the characteristics of UHWMPE.
Overall, while the top housings of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are both made of polycarbonate, the bottom housings introduce a notable divergence. The shared polycarbonate material in the top housings ensures a similar sound profile, with sharpness, higher pitch, and clarity being enhanced. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing gives it a consistent polycarbonate sound, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a distinct bright and resonant clack sound when typing. Therefore, although the switches share some similarities in their housing materials, the differing bottom housings result in contrasting auditory experiences for the two switches when bottoming out keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance.
For those who prefer lighter switches, the WS Aurora Clear would be the better choice as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This allows for a smoother and lighter keystroke, ideal for longer typing sessions and gaming. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be more suitable. Its slightly higher actuation force provides a bit more resistance, giving a satisfying tactile feedback.
In terms of weight, both switches offer a similar bottom out force of 63 grams, which means that the typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be quite similar. However, it's important to note that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, whereas the WS Aurora Clear is slightly lighter. This distinction may be a determining factor for those who have specific preferences in terms of typing speed and comfort.
Ultimately, both switches provide a medium level of actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a comfortable and responsive typing experience. It all comes down to personal preference, whether one prefers a lighter touch or a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. The 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a standard depth that many users are accustomed to. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, aiding in quick reflexes and gaming performance. However, for those who prefer a deeper keystroke that provides a sense of solidity and stability, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) with its 4.0mm travel distance would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance offering a faster response and the longer travel distance providing a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is well-known for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks when typing. It has a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. In terms of feel, it is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. The strong and crisp tactile bump provides a high feedback intensity, while the dual-staged spring makes the typing experience feel more alive. Overall, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a tactile experience with a distinctive sound and responsive feel.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. It has a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. In terms of feel, it is described as buttery, mild, and polished. The switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The mild characteristics make it approachable to most users, providing a gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Shadow switch has a clacky sound profile with a sharp and snappy sound, while the Aurora Clear switch has a high-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Shadow switch has a strong tactile bump and a responsive, bouncy feel, while the Aurora Clear switch offers a smooth and polished typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and are suitable for different preferences. If you are seeking a tactile switch with deep thocks and a medium-high level of tactility, the Shadow switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with minimal friction, the Aurora Clear switch would be a better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the perfect choice for you. Its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped characteristics will provide a highly responsive and lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is a great option. Its buttery, mild, and polished qualities will offer a gentle and refined typing experience. Both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, so if you prefer a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, either switch will meet your preference. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to the level of tactility and typing experience you desire.
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