Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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 its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, these switches offer a comfortable 55g bottom-out feel. Meanwhile, Wuque Studio introduces the WS Heavy Tactile switch, known for its profound tactile experience with a 70g bump and immersive resistance. The "thocky" sound from the nylon housings adds to the engaging and satisfying typing experience. While the Windy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral, the WS Heavy Tactile switch boasts accentuated, bouncy, clacky, high-pitched, invigorating, resonant, sharp, and snappy characteristics.
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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Windy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This is in contrast to the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials are used in the top housing, they offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Windy Shadow and the WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. With nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, both switches benefit from a duller and rounder sound thanks to their choice of bottom housing material. This consistency in the choice of housing material for the bottom housing ensures that users can expect a similar sound profile when typing on either switch, despite their differences in the top housing material.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile allows for a nuanced typing experience. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite their differences in material, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences, with the Windy Shadow leaning towards a sharper and crisper sound, and the WS Heavy Tactile offering a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The Windy Shadow has a light actuation force of None grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes, and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing feel. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more tactile feedback, and a bottom out force of 70 grams, giving a medium-heavy typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Windy Shadow may appeal to those who prefer extended typing sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile is suited for individuals seeking a more robust and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches offer a slightly shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Windy Shadow for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to key presses. On the other hand, those looking for quick response times may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Heavy Tactile 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 sound profile that is bass-heavy and mellow, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a resonant quality, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound, each switch can cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a more subtle or immersive sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable and comfortable for most users. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel with high feedback intensity and prominent tactile bump with each keypress. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation with a lively and responsive typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences.
Overall, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Depending on whether you prefer a neutral and mellow sound with a mild typing experience or a clacky and resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, you can make an informed decision on which switch aligns better with your preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, providing a satisfying and engaging touch to your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a comfortable medium-light bottom-out force and a neutral, low-pitched sound profile, the Windy Shadow may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a profound tactile experience that includes a clacky, high-pitched, resonant sound profile, as well as features like accents, bounciness, invigorating feedback, sharp tactile bumps, and snappiness, then the WS Heavy Tactile may be the switch that suits your typing style. Ultimately, your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile will guide you in selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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