Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider the unique features that each switch offers. The Thunder Shadow by Aflion is praised for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch boasts a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for long typing sessions. Both switches offer a familiar and delightful typing experience, but the Thunder Shadow's neutral sound signature may appeal to those seeking a quieter option. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches using the same material for the bottom housing, the impact of the material will mainly affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for use in the top housing of a switch if RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the WS Brown uses a nylon top housing, which also offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon top housings.
Overall, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the differences lie in their top housing materials. The Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the WS Brown's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their choice of housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Thunder Shadow is heavier in terms of bottom out force at 63.5 grams compared to the WS Brown's 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but given the difference in bottom out force, it can be assumed that the Thunder Shadow may require more force to trigger a keystroke. The Thunder Shadow's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the WS Brown's lighter bottom out force may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Thunder Shadow would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which could be preferred by gamers needing fast reaction times. On the other hand, the WS Brown offers a slightly deeper press, which may be more satisfying for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired. Both switches offer a unique feel, but the Thunder Shadow will provide a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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
The Thunder Shadow switch from Aflion offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch from Wuque Studio provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. When it comes to feel, the Thunder Shadow switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with its pronounced tactile feedback and medium weight feel. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the WS Brown switch is unknown. Overall, both switches aim to strike a harmonious balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. With the Thunder Shadow switch offering a neutral sound and invigorating feel, and the WS Brown switch providing a familiar auditory experience, newcomers can expect a satisfactory typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider the bottom out force of each switch. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a 63.5 gram bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump, the Thunder Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel with a 55 gram bottom out force and a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the WS Brown switch may be more suited to your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences in terms of both sound and feel.
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