Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself choosing between two popular options: the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow. Both switches offer their own unique advantages and characteristics, making them great choices depending on your preferences. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is ideal for those seeking a tactile switch with a moderate level of tactility. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this switch provides a comfortable and approachable experience. Additionally, it boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow linear switch offers a timeless blend of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches deliver a delightful bounce and a satisfying typing experience. Furthermore, the material blend of the WS Yellow switch creates a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts have grown to adore. Crafted to be lightweight, it guarantees effortless keystrokes and a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Yellow Linear

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for clear and resonant sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Yellow adopts a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.

In terms of bottom housings, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to its sharp and crisp sound profile. Again, the stiffness of polycarbonate plays a role in creating clear and resonant sounds when bottoming out keys. Meanwhile, the WS Yellow's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted and round sound profile.

Although the top and bottom housings differ in material, they each play a significant role in the overall sound experience of these switches. Pressing down on the switch will allow you to feel the impact of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the qualities of the top housing. This distinction emphasizes the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of these switches.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow combines a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound upon key release, and a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out keys. The contrasting properties of these housing materials contribute to the distinct acoustic experiences offered by each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we can see that both switches fall into the medium-light category. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires 48 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 55 grams of force to bottom out completely. On the other hand, the exact actuation force for the WS Yellow is unavailable, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of actuation. However, the bottom out force for the WS Yellow is 53 grams, which is slightly lighter than that of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.

Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This feature is beneficial for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. However, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, both the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the WS Yellow provide a medium-light feel, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a balance between the weight of their keystrokes.

In conclusion, while the actuation force of the WS Yellow is unknown, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly lighter bottom out force compared to the WS Yellow. However, both switches offer a medium-light feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users who value a moderate amount of force required for keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Yellow has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered more standard while 3.8 mm is slightly shorter. This difference may not be significant to some, but it can make a noticeable impact for gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter travel distances are preferred for their quicker actuation. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial key press experience, the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or key press feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, which is highly desirable among keyboard enthusiasts. This sound profile adds a satisfying auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Yellow switch is described as a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts have come to adore. While the specific details of the sound are not mentioned, it is likely that the WS Yellow switch provides a pleasing and enjoyable sound experience.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as having a bouncy feel. This means that the keys provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. This bounciness adds an extra level of tactile satisfaction to the typing experience. In contrast, the WS Yellow switch is described as creamy, mild, and polished. A creamy switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The mild characteristic of the WS Yellow switch indicates a gentle typing experience that will be approachable to most users. Finally, the polished nature of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in an overall sleek typing experience.

Considering the available information, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a medium level of tactility, a deep and thocky sound profile, and a bouncy feel. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch provides a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce, a familiar sound signature, and a creamy, mild, and polished feel. While the specifics of sound and feel may differ between the two switches, both options offer desirable qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Whether you prefer a medium tactility with a thocky sound and bouncy feel or a smooth and creamy typing experience with a satisfying bounce, you can achieve similar results with either the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring or the WS Yellow switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, we highly recommend the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. With its lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a very approachable tactility while still offering a deep and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow is an excellent choice. Its double-stage spring and material blend create a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce and a familiar sound signature. The WS Yellow is also crafted to be lightweight, ensuring effortless and fluid keystrokes. In terms of sound, both switches offer unique characteristics, with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring having a yet-to-be-described sound and the WS Yellow described as creamy. In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is bouncy, providing a lively feel with rebound when pressed. The WS Yellow, on the other hand, offers a creamy, mild, and polished typing experience, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow will depend on your preference for tactility and switch type, but both options offer a high-quality typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Yellow Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more