Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. Both switches fall under the tactile category, offering a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. If you prefer a switch with a medium level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a fantastic choice. With lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides an approachable and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, its deep and thocky sound profile adds to the overall satisfaction. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches offer an elegant blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, they strike a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Enthusiasts particularly appreciate their delightful auditory experience, thanks to the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its stiffer nature, polycarbonate produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, with its translucent properties, polycarbonate is ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown features a nylon top housing that generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer unique characteristics, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon top housings will depend on the desired sound experience and aesthetic preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the qualities of its top housing. This polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, aligning with its stiffer nature. It also complements the translucent design, perfect for RGB lighting. Conversely, the WS Brown incorporates a nylon bottom housing, maintaining the consistent use of nylon material throughout the switch. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as softer plastics like nylon absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder sound experience. The choice between the polycarbonate and nylon bottom housings will depend on the desired sound profile and overall typing experience.
When considering a switch with different top and bottom housings, it is important to understand how each housing material impacts the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing the key. While the Aflion Shadow (Ink) and Wuque Studio WS Brown may differ in their housing materials, the overall result will still provide a satisfying and tailored typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires a force of 48 grams, whereas the WS Brown's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, which classifies them as medium-light.
The lighter weight of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may appeal to individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, enabling them to type for longer durations without experiencing fatigue. This lighter actuation force could be particularly advantageous for those who use their keyboard extensively for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, some typists may prefer the WS Brown switch due to its unknown actuation force, as it potentially offers a more substantial and forceful typing experience.
Considering the importance of weight in switch selection, those who prioritize a stronger push feel might lean towards options with heavier forces. In this comparison, it is worth noting that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly lighter actuation force than the WS Brown, assuming the latter requires a force greater than 48 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force, meaning that users can expect similar results in terms of pressing all the way down regardless of the switches they choose.
Overall, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring can be considered as the lighter option, while the WS Brown may deliver a potentially more robust typing experience due to its unknown actuation force. However, if the actuation force of the WS Brown is within the medium-light range, both switches will offer comparable results during bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances in gaming, the WS Brown may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial depth to their key presses may find the 4.0 mm travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Brown 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) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile. This gives it a unique and satisfying auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch's sound profile is not mentioned, so it is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy. This means that when pressed, the keys provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively and rebounding feel. This can enhance the typing experience and make it more enjoyable. Unfortunately, the feel of the WS Brown switch is not described, so it is unknown.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force. It provides an approachable tactile experience and has a deep and thocky sound profile. The WS Brown switch, on the other hand, strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force. While there is no information provided on its sound and feel, it features a familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination that enthusiasts cherish. If you're looking for a tactile switch with similar qualities, the WS Brown switch may offer a comparable experience in terms of responsiveness and comfort, but further information is needed to compare their sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, we highly recommend the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring variant. With its lower actuation and bottom-out force, you will experience a very approachable tactility when using these switches. Additionally, you will appreciate the deep and thocky sound profile that these switches offer. On the other hand, if you value a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, the WS Brown switches are perfect for you. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. Furthermore, the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination provides a pleasant auditory experience that many enthusiasts cherish. Ultimately, the choice between the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and WS Brown switches comes down to whether you prioritize approachable tactility with a deep sound profile or a harmonious balance of familiarity and innovation with a pleasant auditory experience.
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