Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, one can appreciate the unique qualities each brings to the table. The Thunder Shadow by Aflion offers a medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out, along with a pronounced tactile bump that strikes a harmonious balance. Its neutral sound signature complements this tactile experience, showcasing Aflion's commitment to innovation. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile from Wuque Studio boasts a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound from nylon housings, providing a profound tactile experience that is both engaging and satisfying. Both switches offer invigorating tactile feedback, but the WS Heavy Tactile has a wider range of characteristics such as being bouncy, clacky, high-pitched, resonant, sharp, and snappy. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, we see a distinct difference in the top housing materials. The Thunder Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the polycarbonate offers a more clear and resonant sound, the nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. This contrast in material choice leads to a significant difference in the auditory experience of typing on these switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials of these switches, we find a similarity in their use of nylon. Both the Thunder Shadow and the WS Heavy Tactile incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. This shared choice of material for the bottom housing suggests that both switches aim to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel, despite their differences in top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, plays a critical role in shaping the sound profile and tactile experience of a mechanical switch. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences, the Thunder Shadow and WS Heavy Tactile ultimately aim to provide an immersive and satisfying typing experience through their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it's clear that the Thunder Shadow is the lighter option. The Thunder Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, meaning there is no specific force required to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 70 grams, also medium-heavy. Both switches offer a medium to heavy typing experience but with slightly different characteristics due to their actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Thunder Shadow, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile.
Travel distance
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Thunder Shadow. The Thunder Shadow falls within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when pressing down on the switch. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired tactile feedback.
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 Heavy Tactile 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 Thunder Shadow offers a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, creating a sharp, crisp, and immersive auditory experience. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound, with the Thunder Shadow offering a more neutral tone and the WS Heavy Tactile providing a more vibrant and engaging sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, delivering a snappy and reactive typing sensation. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, providing a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Both switches offer an immersive typing experience, but the decision between the two would come down to personal preference for the specific type of tactile feedback desired.
In conclusion, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities for users to consider when choosing between them. While the Thunder Shadow provides a neutral sound profile and an invigorating typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a clacky, high-pitched sound with an accented and bouncy tactile feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both switches offering a satisfying and engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for bottom-out force and the type of sound and feel you desire in a switch. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force with a neutral sound profile and an invigorating feel, the Thunder Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force with a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, along with an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, then the WS Heavy Tactile switch may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider these factors carefully when making your decision.
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