Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Jade stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch known for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks during typing. On the other hand, the WS Jade from Wuque Studio is a linear switch that utilizes a metallic insert in its stem base to create a bright metallic sound profile and features a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. While the Shadow switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience, the WS Jade provides a creamy and smooth feel with a rock-solid bottom-out. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, one can see the difference in sound profiles that polycarbonate and POM housings create. The polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the POM top housing of the WS Jade creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the difference in the bottom housings of these switches further highlights the varying qualities of polycarbonate and POM materials. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the clear and resonant sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate, while the WS Jade's POM bottom housing adds to the pleasing and unique deep sound of the switch. These distinct sound profiles demonstrate how the choice of housing material can affect not only the sound but also the tactile feel of each keystroke, providing a personalized typing experience for users.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and POM housing materials in the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Jade showcases how different materials can result in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. Although each switch may offer a different auditory and tactile experience due to their housing materials, the use of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches shows a similar focus on creating a clear and resonant sound profile. Despite these similarities, the switches ultimately provide distinct typing experiences based on the properties of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, we find that both switches have similar medium forces. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the WS Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches provide a balanced typing experience with a moderate amount of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. This makes them suitable for users who prefer a middle-ground typing feel. In terms of weight, the WS Jade is slightly lighter with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it a potentially better choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a slightly heavier feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with added resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a more traditional travel distance, while the WS Jade provides a slightly shorter distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the WS Jade due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more robust and deep feel when typing may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press feel and responsiveness.
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 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, both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches are described as producing a clacky sound when pressed. However, the Shadow switch is also noted for being high-pitched, while the Jade switch is described as having a marbly and resonant sound profile. This means that while both switches will provide a sharp and crisp sound, the Jade switch may have a bit more depth and resonance to its sound due to its unique design features. Ultimately, both switches will offer a pleasing auditory experience, but if you prefer a slightly more varied sound profile, the WS Jade may be the better choice for you.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is praised for its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile qualities. On the other hand, the WS Jade switch is celebrated for its silky and creamy typing experience, which offers an exceptionally smooth and buttery feel. This means that the Shadow switch will provide a more pronounced and tactile feedback, while the Jade switch will offer a smoother and more fluid keystroke. If you prefer a more pronounced and bouncy typing experience, the Shadow switch may be the way to go, but if you value smoothness and fluidity in your keystrokes, the WS Jade switch may be more suited to your preferences.
Overall, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Shadow switch provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with sharp tactile feedback, while the Jade switch offers a marbly, resonant sound with silky and creamy typing sensations. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to customize your typing experience. Both switches are unique in their own ways, and they will provide a satisfying typing experience for different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are in search of a tactile switch with a medium-high tactility level and enjoy a deep, resonant thock sound while typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright metallic sound profile, a unique creamy and smooth typing experience, and a rock-solid bottom out, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch would suit your needs perfectly. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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