Aflion Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its unmatched hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile. This switch sets a new standard for those who crave a responsive and tactile experience, along with a sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches provide a perfect companion for office and work environments. These switches strike a delicate balance, offering a medium level of tactility while prioritizing noise reduction. With precision crafting and ingenious stem railings, the WS Silent Tactile switches minimize switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches, these unique tactile switches do not use silicone dampeners, creating a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel. Both switches offer accented and invigorating sensations, but the Panda leans towards a resonant profile while the WS Silent Tactile leans towards a neutral and mild profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile have contrasting top housing materials. The Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, those seeking a switch with a brighter sound profile may prefer the Panda with its polycarbonate top housing, while those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the WS Silent Tactile with its nylon top housing.
Regarding the bottom housing, both the Panda and the WS Silent Tactile share the same material - nylon. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. It is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will exhibit similar qualities. The nylon bottom housing serves to enhance the overall acoustic experience by providing a consistent depth and richness in the sound produced. Whether it is the Panda or the WS Silent Tactile, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housing.
While the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile may differ, the impact of each housing material on the switch's sound profile is distinct. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller tone when bottoming out a key, providing a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the sound is influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. The stiff polycarbonate material of the Panda's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile results in a rounder and more mellow sound when keys are released. Whether it is the initial press or the key release, the choice between the Aflion Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile ultimately depends on the preferred sound profile desired by the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable. In terms of bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams, whereas the WS Silent Tactile requires 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, offering a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy. However, it is worth noting that the WS Silent Tactile leans slightly towards the heavier side with its bottom out force.
Weight is an important factor to consider when selecting a switch. Those who prefer a lighter feeling may enjoy the Aflion Panda, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Silent Tactile. The slight difference in bottom out force between the two switches may provide a more sturdy and tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Aflion Panda is known and the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is not available, both switches provide a similar medium range experience. The Panda is slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force, while the WS Silent Tactile leans towards being a bit heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight while typing.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Panda switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Panda switch offers a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a deeper and more satisfying keystroke feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and potentially improved gaming performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. Those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke experience may opt for the Aflion Panda switch, while individuals seeking a more responsive and rapid typing experience may lean towards the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch. Irrespective of the choice, both switches provide high-quality tactile feedback and a satisfying typing 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 Silent 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 switch is best described as resonant. Typing on these switches will result in a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, delivering a deep and satisfying thocky echo. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The sound reduction is achieved through the innovative design of stem railings with small cutouts, allowing for a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. While the Panda switch offers a resonant and thocky sound, the WS Silent Tactile switch provides a more neutral and muted audio feedback, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Panda and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are described as accented switches. This means that they provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an invigorating typing sensation. The tactile force of the Panda switch is super responsive and sets a new standard for those who value hypertactility. The WS Silent Tactile switch also provides a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. These switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and tranquility, offering an unrivaled blend of tactile feedback with a silent profile. Additionally, the WS Silent Tactile switch is distinguished from conventional silent switches by forgoing silicone dampeners, ensuring a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience with a medium level of tactility and a comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch offers a resonant and thocky sound profile, providing an unparalleled and immersive auditory experience. It is accompanied by a super responsive tactile force, making it a top choice for those who value hypertactility. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a muted sound profile with ingenious stem railings for noise reduction, creating a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. It strikes a balance between tactility and tranquility, ensuring a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. Despite their differences, both switches are accented and invigorating, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. So, whether you prefer a resonant thocky sound or a muted and quiet typing experience, both the Aflion Panda and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values both hypertactility and a full-bodied sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a super responsive tactile force and a deep thocky sound that sets a new gold standard. On the other hand, if you prioritize a moderate level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is perfect for your office and work environment. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and silence, offering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for sound and feel – the Panda for a resonant and immersive auditory experience, and the WS Silent Tactile for a muted and moderate sound profile. Both switches provide an invigorating typing sensation with an accented tactility. It's worth noting that the WS Silent Tactile switch also offers a mild option, providing a more gentle typing experience. Overall, as we have seen, each switch has its unique qualities, catering to different preferences and needs.
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