Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Windy Shadow stands out for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, providing a medium-light typing experience at a 55g bottom-out. On the other hand, the WS Red features a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a heavier actuation force due to its 22mm double-stage spring, delivering a satisfying and substantial keystroke weight. While the Windy Shadow offers a mild and low-pitched feel, the WS Red provides a classic sound signature. 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
67g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Red, we find that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housing material differs between the two switches, with the Windy Shadow featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the WS Red featuring a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the WS Red provides a deeper and fuller sound.
It is interesting to note that despite the differences in the top housing material, the bottom housing material remains consistent for both switches. This implies that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the bottom and top of the switch when pressed. The bottom housing, being made of nylon in both cases, will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This highlights the importance of choosing the right housing materials to achieve the desired sound profile and typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Red may have different top housing materials, they both benefit from the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality ensures that typing on both switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in the top housing materials, with the Windy Shadow using polycarbonate and the WS Red using nylon, offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is clear that the Windy Shadow is lighter in both aspects. The Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, while the WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. The actuation force for both switches is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Windy Shadow would be the more suitable option. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the WS Red with its heavier bottom out force would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Red 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 their quicker response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Windy Shadow with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth 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 Red 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, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch's sound description is unknown, but based on its classic material blend and bouncy typing experience, it may offer a familiar and satisfying sound signature. Both switches aim to deliver a pleasant auditory experience, with the Windy Shadow focusing on a more neutral tone, while the WS Red possibly offering a classic sound with a touch of weight to each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch's feel description is unknown, but with its 22mm double-stage spring and heavier actuation force, it likely delivers a more substantial and satisfying typing feel with each keystroke. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Windy Shadow focusing on a mild and gentle feel, while the WS Red possibly offering a more responsive and weighted feel.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as a mild and approachable typing feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy and responsive typing experience, along with a heavier actuation force for a substantial feel, the Wuque Studio WS Red could be the ideal option. Both switches offer different qualities that cater to various preferences, so ultimately, it would depend on your personal typing preferences and needs to determine which switch would be the most suitable for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider the bottom out force and the typing experience you prefer. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce, the Windy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force that adds weight to each keystroke for a satisfying typing feel, the WS Red may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and bottom out force.
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