Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When seeking the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Thunder Shadow from Aflion boasts a tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback while maintaining a balanced feel with its 63.5g bottom-out weight. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque excel in reducing switch noise without the use of traditional silicone dampeners, offering a quiet and precise typing experience. While the Thunder Shadow is categorized as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral', the WS Silent Linear is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Subdued'. These general attributes can help guide your decision, 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
63.5g
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, we see that the Thunder Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing while the WS Silent Linear uses a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, whereas nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in housing materials affects the overall sound experience of the switches, with the Thunder Shadow likely producing a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the WS Silent Linear's more muffled and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Thunder Shadow and the WS Silent Linear use nylon. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch will be more pronounced in these keyboards compared to the top housing material. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience in terms of sound may be more comparable between the two keyboards, with the differences lying more in the top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboards plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience. While the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound, the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, both keyboards feature nylon bottom housings, highlighting the importance of the bottom housing material in impacting the overall sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Thunder Shadow and the WS Silent Linear contribute to unique typing experiences catered to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch both have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which places them in the medium-heavy category. While the actuation force of the Thunder Shadow is not specified, it can be assumed to be similar to the WS Silent Linear due to the comparable bottom out force. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke for both switches. When considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter option for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same experience when pressing down on a key. This means that users can expect similar results when it comes to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Thunder Shadow or the WS Silent Linear, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 3.5 mm, providing a satisfactory typing experience for either switch.
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 Silent Linear 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 Thunder Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches both fall under the descriptor of neutral, making them suitable for various purposes and users. The Thunder Shadow offers a neutral sound profile that complements its tactile bump and medium weight feel, while the WS Silent Linear provides a muted and subdued sound due to its innovative design that reduces switch noise without using silicone dampeners. The choice of board and keycaps can further influence the overall sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the Thunder Shadow is described as invigorating, offering a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches provide a mild typing experience with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a balanced and satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and actuation force.
In conclusion, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While the Thunder Shadow excels in providing a tactile bump and medium weight feel with a neutral sound signature, the WS Silent Linear focuses on reducing switch noise while delivering a muted and subdued sound profile, all without the use of silicone dampeners. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a quieter typing experience, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that can enhance your overall keyboarding satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance of weight like the Thunder Shadow, go for it. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers reduced noise without silicone dampeners and provides a gentle typing experience, opt for the WS Silent Linear. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various settings. Ultimately, the choice between the Thunder Shadow and WS Silent Linear comes down to personal preference for tactile feedback and noise level in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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