Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Thunder Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches within the tactile switch category. The Thunder Shadow by Aflion is praised for its pronounced tactile bump, medium weight feel, and neutral sound signature, offering a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile by Wuque Studio is known for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and easy-to-press keys, also featuring a neutral sound signature. While the Thunder Shadow provides an invigorating typing experience, the WS Light Tactile offers a stepped feel. Both switches excel in their tactile feedback and sound profile, catering to different preferences. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the light to shine through. However, while the top housings are similar in material and sound profile, the Thunder Shadow uses a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the WS Light Tactile also utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing for a more resonant sound.
The nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow produces a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. This combination of housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, with different qualities being felt and heard depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile also uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper sound profile, but with the added benefits of the polycarbonate top housing for a more resonant tone overall.
Overall, both the Thunder Shadow and the WS Light Tactile offer a balance of sound profiles with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. While the Thunder Shadow prioritizes a fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, the WS Light Tactile focuses on a more resonant sound with polycarbonate utilized in both the top and bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both keyboards offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Thunder Shadow has no specified actuation force, while the WS Light Tactile requires 45 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Thunder Shadow is heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile at 50 grams, making the former a medium-heavy option and the latter a light option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the WS Light Tactile for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Thunder Shadow being on the shallower end and the WS Light Tactile being slightly deeper. Gamers may prefer the Thunder Shadow for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Light 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
In terms of sound, both the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the WS Light Tactile switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and purposes. The actuation force requirement is moderate, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or distracting. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump and moderate weight feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a stepped feel, which is characterized by having two stages in the keystroke. This means that users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a different tactile sensation compared to the Thunder Shadow. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile switches are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and light actuation force for a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the WS Light Tactile switches boast their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Thunder Shadow provides a more invigorating typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump and balance in weight, the WS Light Tactile offers a stepped feel with an easy-to-press actuation force. Depending on your personal preference for sound and typing sensation, you can achieve satisfying results with either of these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Thunder Shadow with its 63.5 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the WS Light Tactile with 50 grams would be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you seek an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, the Thunder Shadow would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a stepped feel with easy-to-press switches that reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the WS Light Tactile would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of tactile feedback and bottom out force that you find most comfortable and enjoyable.
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