Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Emerging as a noteworthy manufacturer, Aflion presents its latest: the Windy Shadows linears. These switches are best known for providing a neutral sound profile combined with a distinctive bounce from their extended spring, making typing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. With a 55g bottom-out force, these switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of actuation pressure. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches stand out for their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, offering a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. Users of the WS Onion switches praise them for their crisp and responsive feel as well as a neutral sound profile. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, with the Windy Shadows being categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', while the WS Onion switches are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that resonates well, providing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using RGB lighting.
In contrast, the Windy Shadow and WS Onion differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Windy Shadow using a nylon bottom housing and the WS Onion featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the WS Onion may provide a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience of the switches. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the difference in bottom housing material can lead to variations in sound quality and feel. Whether users prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch differ in terms of weight. The Windy Shadow has a light actuation force of None grams and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, while the WS Onion features None grams of actuation force and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Windy Shadow is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the WS Onion. The actuation force of both switches is unknown, but if they are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, as some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Windy Shadow for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the WS Onion for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is clear that the Windy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the WS Onion's 4 mm. The Windy Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the WS Onion's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the WS Onion being slightly longer than the average 4.0 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness 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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone perfect for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch also boasts a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different environments and preferences. Both switches can deliver a pleasing auditory experience depending on the overall setup and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel for most users. On the contrary, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch delivers a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a polished finish, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Windy Shadow provides a comfortable medium-light actuation force and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, the WS Onion stands out with its buttery smooth keystroke feel and crisp, responsive feedback. Whether you choose the Aflion or the Wuque Studio switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences and environments.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a mild typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Windy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion might be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches are high-quality options that provide a satisfying typing experience.
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