Aflion Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, a linear switch. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and profound "thocky" sound profile. With its unparalleled responsiveness and full-bodied audio feedback, it sets a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches excel in the realm of visual aesthetics. These ultra-smooth linear switches feature a light-diffusing column that enhances RGB visuals, creating a mesmerizing effect. With a unique dry and wispy smoothness, they offer a distinct typing experience from factory-lubed switches. While the Panda delivers an accented and resonant feel, the Morandis provide a buttery, creamy, low-pitched, and subdued experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
3.50 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 Morandi differ in terms of the materials used for both the top and bottom housing. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the Morandi has a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. The POM material offers a unique sound experience that may be pleasing to some users.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Panda utilizes a nylon material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Morandi incorporates a POM material for its bottom housing, ensuring a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound of the switch, the specific materials used bring forth varying qualities.
In terms of the impact on typing experience, pressing down on the Aflion Panda switch will accentuate the qualities of its nylon bottom housing. As a result, users will experience a deeper bottom-out sound and a fuller feel when typing. Conversely, when using the Morandi switch, the impact of its POM bottom housing will be more noticeable. The deeper and muted sound profile created by the POM material will enhance the bottom-out sound and feel.
While the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ, they both offer unique sound profiles that may cater to different preferences. The Polycarbonate top housing of the Panda delivers a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for those seeking a crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Morandi's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, which may appeal to users desiring a different auditory feedback. Similarly, both switches provide a deeper sound profile through their respective bottom housings, with the nylon material of the Panda and the POM material of the Morandi contributing to the overall typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Aflion Panda has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the actuation force of the WS Morandi is unknown. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium.
Considering weight is an important factor when choosing a switch, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Panda. Its lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work and extended gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals seeking a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, as the actuation force of the WS Morandi is unknown, we cannot determine if it is lighter or heavier than the Aflion Panda. However, both switches share the same bottom out force, providing a similar typing experience in terms of the pressure needed to fully depress the switch.
Overall, the Aflion Panda offers a specific actuation force and a medium bottom out force, while information regarding the actuation force of the WS Morandi is unavailable. Both switches provide a solid typing experience, depending on individual preferences and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it becomes evident that the Panda has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Panda's travel distance falls within the more traditional range of 4.0 mm, while the WS Morandi offers a shallower travel distance of 3.5 mm. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, opting for the WS Morandi linear switch might be more suitable. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation, the slighter longer travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for either a quicker response or a more satisfying keystroke depth.
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 Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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
The Aflion Panda tactile switch is best known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and profoundly "thocky" sound profile. When typing on a Panda switch, users can expect a super responsive tactile force paired with a deep, sonorous audio feedback. The sound is resonant, clean, and sharp, offering an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Panda switch is described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an invigorating typing sensation.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch excels in visual aesthetics and innovation. These ultra-smooth linear switches feature a light column that diffuses light, enhancing RGB visuals with a mesmerizing effect. The UPE stem provides a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, distinct from the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. The sound profile of the WS Morandi switches is slightly more muted compared to the Panda. It is described as low-pitched, producing a bass-heavy and mellow tone, and also subdued, offering a dampened sound when pressed. Additionally, the WS Morandi switches have a thocky characteristic, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
Based on the available information, it is clear that both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch have their own distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda offers a resonant and thocky sound profile, coupled with an accented and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the WS Morandi provides a low-pitched and slightly more muted sound profile, along with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel. While the sound and feel differ between the two switches, both options offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force and invigorating feel, typing on these switches will provide pronounced feedback and an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the Panda offers a resonant sound profile, giving you a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, if you value visual aesthetics and a smooth keystroke experience, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch would be more suitable. These switches feature a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, creating a buttery and silky typing experience. With a medium bottom out force and a slightly shortened total travel, the WS Morandi strikes a balance between form and function. The Morandi also offers a low-pitched and slightly subdued sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone while typing. Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Panda and the WS Morandi will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and resonant sound (Panda) or visual aesthetics and smooth keystrokes (Morandi).
Mentioned in this article
