Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Windy Shadow by Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, offering a comfortable medium-light feel with a 55g bottom-out. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear by Wuque Studio delivers a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. While the Windy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the WS Aurora Clear falls under 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. If you're looking for a switch with a unique bounce and medium-light feel, the Windy Shadow may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear might be the better choice. 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
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing material sets them apart. The Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing provides a very bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing.
While both switches have similar polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, their choice in bottom housing material varies significantly. The Aflion Windy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder and duller sound compared to the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing, which offers a brighter and more resonant sound when typing. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in a different typing experience for each switch, with the Windy Shadow providing a deeper sound and the WS Aurora Clear offering a brighter clack when keys are pressed.
In terms of functionality, the choice of housing materials for both switches plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Aflion Windy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a switch that offers a deep and full sound profile with a clear resonance. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing and UHWMPE bottom housing provide a bright and resonant typing experience with sharp clacks. By understanding the impact of different housing materials on the sound profile of switches, users can choose the one that best suits their preferences for typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Windy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, which means it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams, indicating a moderate amount of force needed. In terms of bottom out force, the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, whereas the WS Aurora Clear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. In terms of weight, the Windy Shadow is lighter due to its lower bottom out force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In conclusion, individuals seeking a lighter switch should opt for the Windy Shadow, while those looking for a heavier switch should consider the WS Aurora Clear.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick and responsive keystrokes. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster response times during gameplay. However, those who prefer a more tactile and deep keystroke may gravitate towards the switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific feel that each individual is looking for in their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a more neutral and low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch delivers a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more subdued sound with the Windy Shadow or a crisper sound with the WS Aurora Clear.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle and approachable feel. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch provides a buttery and polished typing sensation, offering a smooth and refined keystroke experience. The light lubrication on the POM stem of the WS Aurora Clear contributes to minimal friction and seamless key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel.
Considering all available information, it is important to note that both the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Windy Shadow provides a more neutral and mild experience, the WS Aurora Clear delivers a high-pitched and buttery sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound pitch and typing feel. However, users can expect similar satisfactory results in terms of performance and quality from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider the key factors that differentiate them. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a mild feel, then the Windy Shadow would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a high-pitched sound profile, and a buttery, polished feel, then the WS Aurora Clear may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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