Aflion Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, a linear switch, it's evident that each offers unique features that cater to different preferences. The Panda stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile force and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the WS Jade sets itself apart with a metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile coupled with a creamy and smooth typing experience. While the Panda is classified as accented, invigorating, and resonant, the WS Jade is labeled as clacky, marbly, resonant, silky, and creamy. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Jade offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Jade utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials contribute to unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the Panda is more resonant and clear, while the POM in the WS Jade provides a softer and more subtle sound experience.
In terms of bottom housings, the Panda uses nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the WS Jade employs a POM bottom housing that also creates a deep and muted sound profile. Both materials contribute to a unique sound experience, with nylon offering a rounder sound and POM providing a deeper tone. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a satisfying sound experience that can cater to different preferences based on the individual's sound preference.
When comparing the overall sound experience between the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, the differences in their housing materials become apparent. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a clearer and resonant sound profile, while the POM top housing in the WS Jade produces a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the Panda results in a fuller sound, contrasting with the POM bottom housing in the WS Jade that also contributes to a deep sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound characteristics, with the Panda offering a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Jade provides a deeper and more muted sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in terms of weight. This means that users can expect similar typing experiences from both switches in terms of the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke and fully press the key down. Some may prefer the medium actuation and bottom out forces of these switches, as they provide a balance between a light typing feel and a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing comfort.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The WS Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Panda, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Panda offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 and thocky profile, providing an immersive auditory experience with a deep and clean sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offers a bright and metallic clacky sound due to the metallic insert in its stem base, with a crisp and percussive tone. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Panda focusing on a deep thocky echo while the WS Jade emphasizes a bright and metallic tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as offering an invigorating and accented typing experience, providing pronounced feedback and a medium amount of tactility. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is known for its silky and creamy feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a unique typing feel, with the Panda focusing on providing a medium tactile feedback while the WS Jade offers a smooth and silky sensation. Overall, the Aflion Panda and Wuque Studio WS Jade switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Panda focusing on a more tactile feedback and the WS Jade providing a smoother typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda delivers a hyper-tactile and thocky sound profile with an invigorating typing experience, while the WS Jade provides a bright and metallic clacky sound with a silky and creamy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Panda focusing on hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback, while the WS Jade emphasizes a rock-solid bottom-out and a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, then the Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a metallic insert for a bright sound profile and an enchanting RGB display, then the WS Jade could be the perfect fit. Consider the sound and feel descriptors for each switch to determine which aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features and advantages, so the decision should be based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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