Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Shadow switch is a tactile switch that boasts a medium level of tactility, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a responsive keystroke with a lower actuation and bottom-out force. Additionally, its deep and thocky sound profile adds to the overall user experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion is a linear switch that offers a unique feel due to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. With a buttery smooth keystroke and a satisfyingly crisp and responsive feel, the Onion switch provides a neutral sound profile that many users enjoy. Both switches have their advantages, however, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can confidently decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
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
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Onion have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring uses polycarbonate while the WS Onion utilizes nylon. This distinction leads to contrasting sound profiles. Typing on the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its polycarbonate bottom housing will elicit a sharper and crisper sound, complementing the qualities of the top housing. In contrast, typing on the WS Onion with its nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the combination of different housing materials influences the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the sensation when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing is more influential in creating the sound when releasing a key. So, while the two switches may use similar polycarbonate in their top housing, the contrasting bottom housing materials result in variations in their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an actuation force of 48 grams, providing a medium-light touch for typing. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Onion is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the WS Onion's bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy touch.
Considering the weight of these switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Its relatively low actuation and bottom out forces allow for effortless typing over extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those seeking a more solid and substantial typing feel, the WS Onion with its heavier bottom out force could be a preferred choice. The actuation force of the WS Onion is unavailable, but if it is similar to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for either a lighter or a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience and the same distance of movement when pressing down on a key. You can expect to feel a consistent 4 mm of travel distance with both switches, ensuring a responsive and comfortable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
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 Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile. This means that when typing with these switches, you can expect a satisfying and relatively deeper sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you use the switches at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as providing a bouncy sensation. This means that pressing the keys will give you a spring-like or elastic feedback, resulting in a lively and rebounding feel. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch is described as buttery and polished. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, leading to a sleek typing experience. In other words, using the WS Onion switches will provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is recommended for those looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. It offers a very approachable tactility with lower actuation and bottom-out forces. Additionally, it provides a deep and thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a lively typing experience.
On the other hand, the WS Onion switch stands out for its buttery smooth keystroke feel and its crisp and responsive typing experience. It has a neutral sound profile, which makes it suitable for most intents and purposes. The polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing contribute to its polished and sleek typing experience.
If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring or WS Onion switch, considering factors such as sound and feel, you can expect to achieve comparable results. However, it is important to keep in mind that the final experience will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a lower actuation and bottom-out force, we highly recommend the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. These switches provide a very approachable tactility and offer a deep and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive feel, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is an excellent choice. These switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the WS Onion switches have a buttery and polished feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel.
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