Aflion Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, it all comes down to your personal preferences. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value hypertactility and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches offer a smooth yet snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound signature, providing a comfortable typing experience. While the Panda is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the WS Light Tactile is labeled as 'Stepped', 'Neutral', and 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this material for their top housing, their bottom housings differ. The Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing, imparting a more muted and rounded sound.
In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of both the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile create similar effects. The clear housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. However, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Panda provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. Therefore, while the top housing may be similar, the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the typing and auditory experience of these switches.
When it comes to the tactile experience of these switches, the bottom housing material is key. The Aflion Panda's nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a more satisfying typing experience. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound and contributes to a duller, less resonant sound profile. While the top housing may have a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing's properties are felt when typing. Overall, the choice of housing material in both the top and bottom components of these switches plays a vital role in shaping the sound and tactile experience for the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Panda requires a slightly higher force for both actuation and bottom out compared to the WS Light Tactile. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the WS Light Tactile the lighter switch in terms of force required for typing. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the WS Light Tactile, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, but the Panda is slightly heavier in comparison to the WS Light Tactile.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches suggests that users can expect consistent keypresses and tactile sensations regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 offers a resonant experience with a high-pitched and sharp sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience for typists. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Panda's thocky echo and deep resonance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and distinct typing sound, while the WS Light Tactile's neutral sound profile is a versatile option for various typing preferences.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda is described as offering an accented and invigorating tactile experience, with a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying amount of feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a stepped feel with a gentle and easy-to-press actuation, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Panda's hyper-tactile sensation and pronounced feedback may be preferred by those who enjoy a more intense typing experience, while the WS Light Tactile's gentle actuation force and comfortable typing feel cater to a more effortless and low-impact typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda excels in providing a resonant and hyper-tactile typing experience with a thocky sound profile, while the WS Light Tactile focuses on a smooth and neutral sound signature with an easy-to-press and stepped tactile feel. Understanding your preference for sound and feel will help you choose the mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so be sure to consider your individual preferences when deciding between the two.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you value a medium bottom out force, hyper-tactile sensation, and a deep thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Panda switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, smooth and snappy tactile bump, and a neutral sound signature, then the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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