Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are both excellent choices for those looking for a tactile typing experience. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a medium-high level of tactility with its unique two-staged spring design, providing a satisfying typing experience with deep thocks. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a smooth and snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes them ideal choices for those looking for a clear and resonant sound experience, especially when using RGB lighting. However, the WS Light Tactile stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The nylon material's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more muted typing experience.
Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile differ in their choice of bottom housing material. While the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring maintains consistency with polycarbonate for its bottom housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound experience throughout, the WS Light Tactile opts for nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile specifically at the bottom of the switch. This split in housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
In summary, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, the WS Light Tactile distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. This difference in bottom housing material can affect the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the sound and feel of the switch during use.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the WS Light Tactile is the lighter of the two, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. This makes the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch heavier in comparison. The actuation force of both switches is crucial as it determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requiring more force. On the other hand, the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down, with the WS Light Tactile requiring less force in this aspect as well. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding typing experience and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same level of travel distance, resulting in a consistent typing experience. Their travel distances are equal, making them suitable options for those looking for a similar tactile feel during typing.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. While the Shadow switch produces a deep and resonating thock, the WS Light Tactile switch maintains a smooth sound without any harsh tones.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, offering a highly tactile and responsive typing experience. The double-spring design of the Shadow switch contributes to its bouncy and lively feel, enhancing the overall feedback during typing. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is also noted for its stepped feel and easy-to-press actuation, providing a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch excels in producing a distinctive clacky sound and providing a sharp tactile feedback with its unique double-spring design. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile and a gentle actuation force, making it a versatile option for various users. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer different qualities that cater to specific typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more tactile and lively typing experience with the Shadow switch or a smoother and easier-to-press feel with the WS Light Tactile switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preference for tactility and bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-high level of tactility and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, snappy tactile bump, the WS Light Tactile switch would be more appealing to you. Additionally, consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch, as the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is described as clacky and high-pitched, while the WS Light Tactile is described as having a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual preferences for key feel, sound, and typing experience.
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