Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Emerging as a notable contender in the mechanical keyboard market, Aflion introduces the Windy Shadow linear switches, known for their neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce provided by an extended spring. With a 55g bottom-out force, these switches offer a comfortable medium-light feel. In contrast, Wuque Studio presents the WS Jade linear switches, featuring a metallic insert in the stem base for a bright and resonant sound profile, along with a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. The typing experience with WS Jade is described as uniquely creamy and smooth with a rock-solid bottom-out. While the Windy Shadow is characterized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral, the WS Jade is known for being clacky, marbly, resonant, silky, and creamy. Each switch offers its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, but diving deeper into their characteristics will help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Windy Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Jade both feature unique housing materials that impact the sound profile of the switches. The Windy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the WS Jade uses a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow may be preferred for those looking for a brighter and more resonant sound, while the POM top housing of the WS Jade is more suited for those seeking a deeper and softer sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Aflion Windy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Similarly, the WS Jade's POM bottom housing also creates a deep and muted sound profile, offering a consistent sound experience when typing. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound experience of the switches, providing users with a unique typing experience based on the material used. While the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow may offer a slightly duller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade, both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. While the Aflion Windy Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Jade feature different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether preferring a sharper and brighter sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper and muted sound profile with POM, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches, we see differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Windy Shadow has a lighter actuation force at None grams compared to the WS Jade's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Windy Shadow requires 55 grams while the WS Jade needs 60 grams, making the Windy Shadow slightly lighter in this aspect. Both switches fall in the medium-light to medium range, providing a balance between effortless typing and a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the WS Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the WS Jade may be the preferred option due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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, providing a mellow and moderate sound suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is known for its clacky, marbly, and resonant sound, presenting a sharp and percussive tone with a clean and immersive auditory experience. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, users can choose between the calm sound of the Windy Shadow or the vibrant sound of the WS Jade.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is known for its silky and creamy feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing sensation that enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance. Whether users prefer a milder typing experience or a creamy smooth feel, both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Windy Shadow provides a neutral and comfortable typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the WS Jade delivers a bright and resonant sound paired with a silky and creamy feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce, the Windy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom-out force with a bright metallic and resonant sound profile, along with a creamy and smooth typing experience, the WS Jade would be the ideal switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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