Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Thunder Shadow offers a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and a medium weight feel, making it invigorating and neutral in its overall performance. On the other hand, the WS Morandi presents a linear switch design that focuses on visual aesthetics, providing a buttery, creamy feel with a light diffusion effect for enhanced RGB visuals. While the Thunder Shadow emphasizes a balanced tactile feedback, the WS Morandi prioritizes a smooth and airy typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Thunder Shadow utilizes a combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, creating a dynamic sound profile that is both sharp and resonant while also deep and full. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi employs POM for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is deep and muted throughout. While both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience, the Thunder Shadow's use of different housing materials allows for a more diverse range of sound and feel.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Thunder Shadow and the WS Morandi, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing adds a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the POM top housing of the WS Morandi creates a more muted, deeper sound. However, both switches prioritize the overall sound quality and aim to enhance the typing experience for users looking for a unique and pleasing sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's POM top housing does not offer the same translucency but maintains a sleek and uniform look. While the housing materials differ between the two switches, they both prioritize functionality and sound quality, ensuring that users receive a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two. The Thunder Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it light in terms of initial keystroke pressure, while its bottom out force of 63.5 grams is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Morandi features an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a slightly heavier initial push compared to the Thunder Shadow. However, the bottom out force of the WS Morandi is slightly lighter at 60 grams, making it a more medium option overall. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the WS Morandi, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may opt for the Thunder Shadow. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches offer a similar amount of key travel, providing a consistent typing experience for users. Whether you choose the Thunder Shadow or the WS Morandi, you can expect to feel a tactile bump or a smooth linear press with the same travel distance, resulting in a familiar typing sensation regardless of which switch you prefer. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same level of key travel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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 Thunder Shadow offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments, whether at home or work. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi provides a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound that delivers a more mellow and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, with the Thunder Shadow being more versatile and the WS Morandi offering a deeper and more pronounced sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Thunder Shadow provides an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi offers a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing sensation due to its ultra-smooth linear design and UPE stem. While the Thunder Shadow offers a more tactile and reactive feel, the WS Morandi focuses on providing a seamless and effortless typing experience that is enhanced by its unique design and materials.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Thunder Shadow excels in providing a balanced sound profile and an invigorating tactile experience, while the WS Morandi stands out with its mesmerizing visual aesthetics, low-pitched sound, and buttery smooth feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing sensation, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, with the Thunder Shadow offering a more versatile option and the WS Morandi delivering a more unique and visually appealing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, consider your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prefer a pronounced tactile bump with a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy smooth linear switches with a more subdued, low-pitched sound profile, the WS Morandi could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so you should choose based on your personal preferences for feel and sound. Happy typing!
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