Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Shadow switch offers a tactile experience with a medium level of tactility, making it a great choice for those who prefer a satisfying feedback when typing. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this switch provides a more approachable feel. Additionally, it boasts a deep and thocky sound profile that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch that focuses on delivering a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. It features a transparent polycarbonate top housing and a UHMWPE bottom housing for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Consequently, both switches offer similar sound characteristics and visual appeal when it comes to their top housing.
However, the bottom housing of the two switches differs. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE bottom housing. Polycarbonate in the bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, UHWMPE, a newer material, offers a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. Therefore, the bottom housing material of each switch imparts distinct qualities to the overall typing experience.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear share similarities in terms of sound profile and aesthetic benefits for RGB lighting, their bottom housing materials differentiate the switches when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Understanding these differences can help individuals choose a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. Both switches provide a satisfying and tactile typing experience, but the Aflion switch may feel slightly lighter to the touch when initiating a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) requires 55 grams of force to fully press a key, while the WS Aurora Clear requires a heavier 63.5 grams. This means that the WS Aurora Clear offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. It is worth mentioning that despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, while the Aflion switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, and the WS Aurora Clear is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, the overall experience provided by both switches will be similar for individuals who enjoy a medium level of key resistance.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have different travel distances. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Aurora Clear.
The difference in travel distance can affect the typing or gaming experience. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, allowing for a deeper key press and potentially a more satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance can result in quicker keystrokes and potentially increased efficiency.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference. If you prioritize a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the WS Aurora Clear with its shorter travel distance may be suitable for you. However, if you prefer a deeper key press and a more traditional feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better option.
It is important to note that while the travel distances differ slightly, both switches are still within the range of what is considered standard. Therefore, regardless of the choice made, the overall typing or gaming experience using either switch is likely to be similar, with only a slight variation in the depth of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single 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) Single 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
In terms of sound, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a rich and bassy sound, which some find very satisfying. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as high-pitched. This means that these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is a preference for those who don't like the richer sound profiles of certain switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy. This means that these switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. When pressed, they give you a lively feel, with a rebound effect. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic implies a more gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. Lastly, a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a medium level of tactility with a deep and thocky sound profile. It provides a bouncy feel with a spring-like feedback sensation. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch provides a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. It allows for maximum RGB lighting customization and has a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on the user's personal preference in terms of sound and feel. However, if you prefer a similar tactility and sound, the WS Aurora Clear switch may provide a comparable experience to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep and thocky sound profile, we highly recommend the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. With its lower actuation and bottom-out force, you'll find it to be approachable and easy to use. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear is the way to go. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, along with the lightly lubed POM stem, provide minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for tactility, sound, and overall typing experience.
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