Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and value a tactile feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch may be just what you're looking for. This switch offers a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its unique two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches produces deep, resonating thocks, making your typing experience all the more satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch might be the ideal choice for you. With its 22mm double-stage spring, these switches offer a bouncy and responsive typing experience while retaining a familiar sound signature. Additionally, the WS Red switch provides a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke for a more substantial typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The comparisons between the housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Red are evident in their descriptions. While the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, the WS Red utilizes a nylon material for both top and bottom housing. This distinction in materials affects the sound profile of each switch. The polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which is especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the WS Red's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, resulting in a duller and rounder profile.
One significant difference between these two switches is the impact of the housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel. With the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing, users will experience a sharper and more resonant sound when pressing down on the switch. This creates a distinct and satisfying feedback while typing. Conversely, the WS Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, providing a different tactile experience that may be preferred by some typists.
Another contrasting aspect lies in the impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is responsible for delivering a high-pitched and clear sound when the key is let go. This can offer a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Red leads to a sound profile that is comparatively duller and rounder upon key release. This difference in sound is due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a distinct tonal quality.
Despite these differences, it is worth noting that both switches offer desirable characteristics. Whether it is the sharper and crisper sound profile enabled by polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, or the deeper and fuller sound provided by nylon in the WS Red, typists can expect a satisfying typing experience with each switch. The choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of the desired sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is not mentioned for the WS Red. However, both switches have a medium level of actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Shadow (Ink) requires 63 grams of force, while the WS Red has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy.
Considering weight as a factor, some users prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force. In this case, the WS Red, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, would cater to this preference.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring and the WS Red is similar, the bottom out force of the WS Red is slightly heavier. Therefore, those seeking a heavier typing experience might gravitate towards the WS Red, while those who prefer a lighter switch could opt for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we can see that the Shadow (Ink) has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the WS Red offers a slightly shallower depth. The shorter travel distance of the WS Red may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) caters to those who prefer a more substantial and "deep" feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and depth.
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 Red comes in at $3.50 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 Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This switch has a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to compare them directly. However, it's essential to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a range of subjective qualities. It is described as sharp, meaning it provides a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke. Additionally, this switch is considered accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is also described as snappy due to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more lively. Furthermore, the Shadow switch is characterized as bouncy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with a lively feel when keys are pressed. Lastly, it is mentioned that the Shadow switch feels stepped, which means it has a two-stage tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. In contrast, the feel of the WS Red switch is unknown, making it hard to make a direct comparison.
Taking into account the available information, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch and the WS Red switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Shadow switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound with a sharp and snappy tactile feel, the sound and feel of the WS Red switch remain unknown. However, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining which switch is suitable for each user. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a deep, resonating sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is an excellent choice. If you are unsure about the sound and feel of the WS Red switch, it is recommended to test it personally or consult user reviews to gather more information. Remember, obtaining similar results can be achieved by considering factors like the keyboard board, keycaps, and personal preferences when selecting a switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks while typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the perfect choice. Its two-staged spring provides a sharp and crisp tactile bump, offering a highly feedback-intensive typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer switches that feel snappy and have a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will provide a lively feel with rebound when pressed. On the other hand, if you value a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a touch of weight to each keystroke, the WS Red linear switch is ideal. Its double-stage spring and heavier actuation force deliver a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for tactility and typing experience.
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