Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Emerging as a noteworthy manufacturer, Aflion presents its latest linear switch: the Windy Shadows. Known for their neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, these switches offer a comfortable 55g bottom-out weight, making them a great choice for those who prefer a medium-light feel. On the other hand, Wuque Studio introduces the WS Brown tactile switch, which strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force. Typing on these switches provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to the nylon housing and POM stem combination. While both switches offer unique features and benefits, the Windy Shadow is low-pitched and mild, with a neutral feel, while the WS Brown is more about balance, comfort, and familiarity. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both feature unique housing materials that greatly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Windy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. In contrast, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer material that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound qualities, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound aesthetics.
One similarity between the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown is that they both use nylon for their bottom housing material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. As nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, it creates a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. The consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar sound quality and typing feel for both switches.
Overall, the use of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown results in a balanced sound profile that caters to a variety of preferences. The top housing material has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile from polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound profile from nylon, both switches offer unique typing experiences that showcase the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light in terms of pressure needed to fully press the key. However, the actuation force for both switches is unknown. Despite this difference, users can still expect a similar typing experience in terms of force required to bottom out the keys. The lighter bottom out force of these switches makes them suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions, providing a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force, with the Aflion Windy Shadow likely offering a lighter typing experience compared to the Wuque Studio WS Brown.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Windy Shadow being the shorter of the two. Gamers may prefer the Windy Shadow for its faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the WS Brown switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral profile that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches provide a pleasing sound experience that will enhance your typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. With a comfortable 55g bottom-out force, these switches provide a balanced and satisfying feel that will keep you typing comfortably for extended periods. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience that will cater to the needs of most users.
Overall, both the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch provide excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched and mild typing experience, the WS Brown provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can expect similar results in terms of satisfaction and performance from either of these high-quality mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Windy Shadow linear switch and the WS Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Windy Shadow if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience with a 55g bottom-out force. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a neutral sound and a comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, choose the WS Brown if you appreciate a familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, along with a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort at the same 55g bottom-out force. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound profile and typing experience nuances. Make your decision based on what aligns best with your preferences and needs as a keyboard user.
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