Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium-high level of tactility, then the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch with its long, two-staged spring is the ideal choice. This switch not only provides satisfying feedback but also delivers deep, resonating thocks with every keystroke. On the other hand, if smoothness and a neutral sound profile are your top priorities, the WS Onion switch from Wuque Studio should be your go-to. With a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, these switches offer a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. Additionally, the Wuque Studio Onions provide a crisp and responsive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it an attractive option for those wanting to customize their keyboard's lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal when comparing these two switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion uses a nylon bottom housing. This difference in material leads to contrasting sound profiles. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to a clear and resonant sound, thanks to its stiffness and ability to create sharper and crisper acoustics. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Onion results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
When using each switch, the impact of the housing materials varies. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be polycarbonate or nylon, will be felt when pressing down on the switch and experiencing the "bottom-out" sound and feel. This means that the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing will influence the tactile experience when typing. Conversely, the impact of the top housing material, which is the same for both switches, will be more noticeable when releasing a key and experiencing the sound. While both switches may provide satisfying results overall, the bottom housing material will play a greater role in the typing experience compared to the top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is a medium level of force required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Onion is unavailable, so it is difficult to compare directly. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating a similar level of force required for pressing all the way down.
Considering weight as a factor, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be perceived as lighter due to its lower actuation force. This lighter weight makes the switch suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Onion's actuation force is unknown, so it is unclear whether it is lighter or heavier than the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. However, both switches have a medium to medium-heavy bottom out force, indicating a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the WS Onion is unknown, both the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the WS Onion have a similar bottom out force. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be favored by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the WS Onion's weight preference remains uncertain. Both switches offer the potential for a satisfying typing experience, depending on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent tactile or linear experience, respectively, with no variation in terms of travel distance.
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 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
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its deep, resonating thock sound when typing. This clacky and high-pitched sound profile creates a crisp and percussive feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch offers a neutral sound profile. It produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a sharp and accented tactile experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump is easily felt with each keypress, making it satisfying for those who prefer a high feedback intensity. It also has a snappy feel due to its dual-stage spring, adding responsiveness to the typing experience. Additionally, it has a bouncy and stepped sensation, giving the keys a lively and slightly pre/post-travel feel. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch offers a buttery and polished keystroke feel. The smooth and fluid typing experience of the WS Onion switch is a result of its buttery and polished switch design. This creates a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Shadow switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a sharp, accented, and snappy tactile feel. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery, polished keystroke feel. Depending on personal preferences, the Shadow switch may be favored by those seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and deep thock sounds, while the WS Onion switch may appeal to those looking for a smooth, fluid, and satisfying keystroke experience. However, please note that the overall sound and feel experience of both switches may also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect due to its long, two-staged spring. This switch provides a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The deep, resonating thocks when typing on these switches add to the overall satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke feel, the WS Onion is your best bet. With its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, this switch offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The crisp and responsive feel, coupled with a neutral sound profile, makes the WS Onion suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, using it at home or work. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel in order to make the right choice between these two switches.
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