Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Emerging as a notable player in the mechanical keyboard switch market, Aflion introduces the Windy Shadow linear switch, known for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce provided by an extended spring. With a 55g bottom-out force, these switches offer a comfortable medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, Wuque Studio presents the WS Silent Tactile switch, perfect for office settings. These switches boast a medium level of tactility and superior noise reduction thanks to precision-engineered stem railings that eliminate the need for silicone dampeners. This innovative design sets a new standard in silent switches, providing users with a quiet yet crisp typing experience. While the Windy Shadow offers a mild and neutral typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch is characterized by its invigorating tactility and muted sound profile. 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
The Aflion Windy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the nylon top housing of the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile in the WS Silent Tactile. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow may provide a more distinct and pronounced typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Windy Shadow and the WS Silent Tactile feature nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. This similarity in bottom housing material may lead to a similar overall typing experience between the two switches, with a focus on creating a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel for the user.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience. While the Aflion Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing may provide a sharper and clearer sound, the nylon top housing of the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and resonant sound profile during typing. The differences in housing materials between the two switches offer users a choice in sound characteristics and typing feel, allowing for a personalized typing experience based on their preferences in sound and feedback.
Weight
The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch, while the WS Silent Tactile has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The actuation force for both switches is not specified, therefore resulting in similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Windy Shadow, ideal for extended typing and gaming sessions, while those seeking a stronger push feel may lean towards the WS Silent Tactile for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to personal preference and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch are both 3.5mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches provide a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their respective 3.5mm travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and actuation regardless of which switch they choose.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is best characterized by its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch produces a neutral and muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office environments where noise reduction is a priority.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone suitable for most users. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is known for its accented and invigorating feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, creating an immersive typing sensation with a snappy and reactive feel.
Overall, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Windy Shadow provides a neutral sound and mild typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile offers a quieter typing experience with a moderate level of tactility. Both switches are designed to meet specific needs and preferences, so choosing between them would ultimately come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user's typing environment.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a medium-light switch with a neutral sound profile and a comfortable feel, the Windy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with medium-heavy bottom out force, superior noise reduction, and a medium tactility that provides a silent yet crisp typing experience, then the WS Silent Tactile switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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