Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear 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 its extended spring, the Windy Shadow offers a comfortable 55g bottom-out weight, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, Wuque Studio's WS Silent Linear switches aim to elevate your office and work experience with exceptional quietness and responsiveness. These switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to reduce switch noise without the use of silicone dampeners, providing a distinct typing experience. While the Windy Shadow is characterized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral, the WS Silent Linear is described as neutral, mild, muted, and subdued. Both switches have their own unique advantages, 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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches use nylon top housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound-absorbing properties. However, the Windy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the WS Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials could result in a noticeable difference in sound and feel when typing on the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of transparency for RGB lighting but still provides a classic look. Both switches prioritize functionality and sound quality, with the choice of housing materials contributing to the overall typing experience for users. Whether one prefers a crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a fuller sound profile with nylon, both switches offer distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
With the differing housing materials used in the Aflion Windy Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches, users can expect varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a combination of qualities from both materials to influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Windy Shadow excels in creating a clear and resonant sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing, the WS Silent Linear focuses on a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, which means it is difficult to compare them in this aspect. In terms of weight, the Windy Shadow is lighter than the WS Silent Linear. The lighter weight of the Windy Shadow may make it preferable for those who need to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the WS Silent Linear may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent keypress experience with similar feedback and actuation points. Users can expect the same level of comfort and responsiveness from either switch, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a standard travel distance. Ultimately, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a uniform typing experience across different keyboard models.
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 Silent Linear 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 Shadows offer a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a mellow and moderate sound that suits a variety of preferences. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches also have a neutral sound profile but with a muted and subdued quality, minimizing noise and offering a softer typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and non-intrusive sound experience, with the Windy Shadows leaning towards a more traditional tone and the WS Silent Linear focusing on reducing switch noise with innovative design features.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Windy Shadows and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. This suggests that the tactile feedback and overall typing feel of these switches are not overly pronounced or aggressive, making them suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a smoother typing experience.
Overall, while the Aflion Windy Shadow switches and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer slightly different sound profiles with one being more traditional and the other being more quiet, their shared mild feel ensures a comfortable typing experience for users looking for a switch that isn't too extreme in either sound or tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you choose either of these switches, you can expect a similar level of typing comfort and satisfaction with slight variations in sound based on personal preference and setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce, then the Windy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a neutral, muted, and subdued sound profile with stem railings for noise reduction and a cushion-free typing experience, then the WS Silent Linear switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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