Aflion Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique experiences are the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Aflion Panda is best known for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and profound "thocky" sound profile. This switch sets a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches offer a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Enthusiasts cherish the delightful auditory experience provided by the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Brown features a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Panda allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency. This can be visually appealing for those who enjoy customized lighting effects. On the other hand, the WS Brown's nylon top housing does not offer this feature. Therefore, if RGB lighting is a priority, the Panda would be the preferred choice.
Both the Panda and the WS Brown share a common nylon bottom housing. This material choice can create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics contributes to a duller and rounder sound experience for both switches. Thus, the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches will be quite similar due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to differentiating the impact of the top and bottom housing on the sound experience, the Panda's polycarbonate top housing will have a more noticeable effect on the sound when releasing a key. Conversely, the qualities of the WS Brown's nylon top housing will be primarily felt during the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, while the overall sound profiles of the Aflion Panda and Wuque Studio WS Brown may differ, the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience is split between the top and bottom of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Brown's actuation force remains unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams, whereas the WS Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the WS Brown more suitable. Its lighter bottom out force allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for those who require a keyboard for extended work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and forceful typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Panda. While both switches fall within the medium force category, the Panda slightly outweighs the WS Brown in terms of actuation force. This heavier force may provide a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a noticeable tactile response.
In terms of similarities, both switches can provide a similar typing outcome. When actuated, both switches offer a tactile response that can enhance typing accuracy and speed. Additionally, the medium actuation force of the Panda and the potentially similar force of the WS Brown ensure a balanced typing experience that can cater to various preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on the individual's personal preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Panda has a slightly longer distance at 4.0 mm, while the WS Brown measures at 3.8 mm. This difference may seem negligible, but for those who value precise and quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the WS Brown may be appealing. Gamers, for instance, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances to optimize their performance. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Panda has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Panda for $3.56.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 Panda tactile switch is known for its resonant qualities. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch is unspecified, so it is difficult to compare. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. However, based on the available information, if you are looking for a switch with a resonant and immersive sound profile, the Aflion Panda is a good choice.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as having an accented feel. This signifies that it falls into the category of a medium tactile switch, providing a noticeable level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is characterized as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch is not mentioned, so it is difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, if you are seeking a switch that provides a medium tactile experience with pronounced feedback and a satisfying typing sensation, the Aflion Panda would be a recommended choice.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation, making it ideal for those who value hypertactility. It also offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a sonorous audio feedback experience. The Wuque Studio WS Brown switch, while lacking specific information about its sound and feel, is described as a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation with a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. While there may be some similarities in qualities such as medium tactility, it is important to consider the available information provided and make a decision based on personal preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Panda is the switch for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams and a resonant sound profile, typing on the Panda switches will provide a responsive tactile force and an immersive auditory experience. The accented and invigorating feel of the Panda switch offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, ensuring an invigorating and reactive typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you value a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches are a excellent choice. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a familiar and delightful auditory experience. The WS Brown switches strike a balance between familiarity and innovation, offering fatigue-free typing during extended sessions.
Overall, the Panda switches are ideal for those who prioritize hypertactility and a full-bodied sound profile, while the WS Brown switches are perfect for typists seeking a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Consider your preferences and needs to choose the switch that suits you best.
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