Aflion Windy Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi mechanical keyboard switches, one can see that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Windy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches stand out for their innovation in visual aesthetics, featuring a light-diffusing column that enhances RGB visuals and a unique UPE stem for a dry, airy smoothness. While the Windy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the WS Morandi is described as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', 'Silky', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, one clear difference is in the top housing material. The Windy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Morandi uses POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the choice between a crisper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with POM will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches use different materials as well. The Windy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing also creates a pleasing and unique sound on the deeper side but with a relatively more muted quality. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a distinct sound profile influenced by their respective bottom housing material, providing users with options based on their sound preferences.
Although the housing materials used in the Aflion Windy Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in both the top and bottom housings, they ultimately aim to create a satisfying typing experience for users. While the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the WS Morandi's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings of each switch contribute to a fuller sound profile with their unique characteristics. In conclusion, both switches offer distinct sound profiles influenced by their housing materials, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we can see that the Windy Shadow has a lower actuation force, whereas the WS Morandi has a slightly higher actuation force. The Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch, while the WS Morandi has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Windy Shadow would be the better choice. Conversely, those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback may gravitate towards the WS Morandi. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and preference for each individual user.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you'll experience a consistent travel distance of 3.5 mm. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will receive similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience. It is worth noting that both switches offer the same travel distance, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a shorter travel distance in their linear switches.
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 Morandi comes in at $3.90 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 profile, providing a mellow and moderate sound that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch also has a low-pitched sound, but it is described as more subdued and thocky, offering a slightly more muted and dampened sound profile compared to the Windy Shadow. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience that can be enhanced or altered by the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth, fluid, and uniform typing sensation that feels effortless and seamless. The Morandi switches give a more luxurious and indulgent typing experience compared to the mild and approachable feel of the Windy Shadow. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience that caters to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Aflion Windy Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches present contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Windy Shadow offers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel, the WS Morandi switches provide a more subdued and thocky sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between the mellow and moderate sound of the Windy Shadow or the luxurious and indulgent feel of the WS Morandi switches to enhance their overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the innovative design, visually appealing RGB effects, and the unique UPE stem of the WS Morandi, then that switch might be the one for you. Both switches offer different sound and feel profiles, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making your decision. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either of these high-quality linear switches, and both are sure to enhance your typing experience in their own unique ways.
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