Aflion Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Red. The Panda, a tactile switch, is renowned for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and profound "thocky" sound profile. This switch is best suited for those who value hypertactility and appreciate a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the WS Red, a linear switch, offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature thanks to its classic material blend. With a heavier actuation force, each keystroke feels satisfying and substantial. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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 Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their housing materials, with the former utilizing a polycarbonate top housing and the latter featuring a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Panda creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Red produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Panda and WS Red offer distinct sound experiences due to their different top housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Panda stands out with its translucency, allowing for the use of RGB lighting. This feature makes it especially suitable for users who prefer illuminated keyboards. Conversely, the WS Red's nylon top housing lacks the translucency of polycarbonate, making it less ideal for RGB lighting effects. So, those who prioritize visual customization may lean towards the Panda while those who focus on a deeper sound profile might prefer the WS Red.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Panda and the WS Red utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. The nylon bottom housing of each switch contributes to a deep and full sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing on either switch. Therefore, despite having different top housing materials, both the Panda and WS Red offer similar sound experiences when it comes to their bottom housing.
In summary, the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their top housing materials, with the former featuring polycarbonate for a sharper sound profile and the latter utilizing nylon for a deeper sound experience. Although their top housing materials affect the sound when pressing and releasing a key, both switches share a common ground in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile regardless of the switch chosen. Additionally, the Panda's translucent polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, while the WS Red's nylon top housing is not suitable for such visual customizations. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a sharper sound or visual customization options.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have different actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Red's actuation force is unknown. However, they both have medium actuation forces. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Panda requires 60 grams of force, whereas the WS Red requires 67 grams, making it slightly heavier in this aspect.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Panda, as it allows for longer typing periods and is suitable for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Red, with its slightly heavier bottom out force.
Overall, while the actuation forces are similar between the two switches, the difference lies in the bottom out forces, with the WS Red requiring more force. Users can expect similar results in terms of actuation, but those looking for a slightly heavier typing experience may lean towards the WS Red.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Red. With a travel distance of 4 mm, the Panda falls into the more traditional range, providing a moderate depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the WS Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shallower. Gamers who prioritize quick response times often prefer switches with shorter travel distances, making the WS Red a suitable choice for them. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial press and a deeper feeling may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Panda more appealing. In conclusion, while the Panda has a longer travel distance than the WS Red, both switches offer different experiences and are suited for different preferences.
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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Panda switches are best known for their resonant and immersive auditory experience. Typing on these switches results in a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp tone. The deep thocky echo produced by the Panda switches creates a sonorous and satisfying audio feedback. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Red switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Panda switches offer an accented and invigorating typing experience. Described as a medium tactile switch, they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The tactile force of the Panda switches is super responsive, creating a snappy and reactive feel that enhances the typing sensation. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the WS Red switches. It is best to assume a linear switch like the WS Red would lack the tactile feedback and instead focus on the smoothness and responsiveness it may provide.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switches are renowned for their hyper-tactile sensation, deep thocky sound profile, and invigorating typing experience. They set a new standard for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches offer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, delivering a satisfying and substantial feel. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the WS Red switches are unknown, they can be expected to provide a different typing experience compared to the tactile and resonant qualities of the Panda switches. However, if you are seeking a switch with similar sound and feel qualities as the Panda switches, it is recommended to explore other tactile and resonant switch options.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a hyper-tactile sensation and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Panda offers a super responsive tactile force and a deep "thocky" sound profile that sets a new gold standard in terms of hypertactility. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a touch of weight to each keystroke, then the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, the WS Red delivers a satisfying and substantial typing feel thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style. In the end, it's important to consider what kind of typing experience you're looking for and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and needs.
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