Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Emerging as a noteworthy manufacturer, Aflion presents its latest linear switch: the Windy Shadow. Known for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from an extended spring, this switch offers a comfortable 55g bottom-out weight, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch from Wuque Studio is praised for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature. Categorized as 'Stepped', 'Neutral', and 'Easy-to-press', this tactile switch provides a different typing experience compared to the Windy Shadow. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow and WS Light Tactile differ in their bottom housing material, with the Windy Shadow using nylon and the WS Light Tactile also opting for nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow and the WS Light Tactile also align in their ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite this similarity, the different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches will impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each keyboard. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Although the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile utilize different bottom housing materials, both switches are designed to optimize sound quality and typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience. Both switches benefit from using polycarbonate in the top housing, which creates a sharp and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. The nylon bottom housing in both switches enhances the depth and fullness of the sound by absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. Despite these similarities, the distribution of housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of typing on each keyboard.
Weight
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light, while the WS Light Tactile has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the WS Light Tactile switch is lighter overall compared to the Windy Shadow switch. The actuation force of the Windy Shadow is not specified, while the WS Light Tactile has a defined actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the WS Light Tactile, while those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel may opt for the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch. This means that the Windy Shadow offers a slightly shallower key press compared to the WS Light Tactile. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Windy Shadow due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the WS Light Tactile with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of the desired key feel and responsiveness.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch also features a neutral sound signature, ensuring a moderate actuation force requirement and a pleasant typing experience. Both switches deliver a comfortable sound experience that is suitable for most users, making them versatile options for various typing preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a stepped feel with easy-to-press keys, offering a two-stage tactile experience that is easy on the fingers and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. While both switches offer slightly different tactile experiences, they both aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel for users.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Windy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound with a mild typing feel, the WS Light Tactile offers a neutral sound signature with a stepped tactile feel and easy-to-press keys. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve. Both switches are reliable options that will deliver quality performance and comfort for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier 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 prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a smooth, snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile would be more suited to your typing needs. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound when making your decision between these two options. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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