Aflion Panda vs. Bsun Akashi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Akashi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the BSUN Akashi, a linear switch, offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Panda stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile, perfect for those who value a responsive tactile force and sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Akashi redefines tactile feedback with its smooth UPE stem and unique POM top and nylon bottom housing combo, resulting in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness. While the Panda is known for its accentuated and invigorating feel, the Akashi boasts a clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on your specific preference for tactility and sound profile. 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Akashi utilize different materials for their top housing, with the Panda using polycarbonate and the Akashi using POM. The use of polycarbonate in the Panda creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while POM in the Akashi produces a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users, as the sound of the switches can greatly affect how satisfying they are to use.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Panda and the Akashi use nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. This similarity in housing material indicates that both switches may have a similar typing experience when it comes to bottoming out keys, as the nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Akashi plays a crucial role in the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While the differences in top housing materials create distinct sound profiles, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing suggests that the switches may have similar qualities when it comes to the depth and fullness of the typing sound. Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Bsun Akashi linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the Akashi only needs 43 grams, making the Akashi the lighter option overall. The Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with a moderate actuation and bottom out force, making it a good choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Akashi's lighter actuation and bottom out force make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. In both cases, choosing the switch with the preferred force requirements will result in a more comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Panda offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akashi, which might provide a slightly more pronounced keypress feel. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Panda being on the longer side and the Akashi on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Akashi with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may lean towards the Panda. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Panda has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Panda for $3.56.
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
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 the sound of the switches, the Panda offers a resonant and deep "thocky" profile, while the Akashi provides a bright and clacky sound with a deep acoustic richness. The Panda's sound is clean and sharp, contributing to an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akashi's sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a unique acoustic contrast to each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct sounds that cater to different preferences, with the Panda leaning towards a deeper and more resonant profile, and the Akashi focusing on a brighter and clackier sound.
In terms of feel, the Panda provides an invigorating and accented tactile experience, offering pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This creates a snappy and reactive feel that enhances the typing sensation. Conversely, the Akashi offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These features contribute to a smooth and buttery feel, minimal resistance, refined key travel, enhanced smoothness, responsiveness, and low-impact typing comfort. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences, with the Panda emphasizing a pronounced tactile feedback and the Akashi focusing on a smooth and effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Panda and Akashi switches offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Panda stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound, appealing to those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Akashi redefines tactile feedback with a smooth UPE stem and hybrid housing, creating a novel and resonant experience with each keystroke. While their sound and feel profiles differ, both switches provide exceptional qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike. Ultimately, the choice between the Panda and Akashi will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prioritize a hyper-tactile typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Panda's medium bottom out force of 60 grams pairs well with its accentuated tactility and invigorating feel, offering a satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a bright and crisp sound output, the Bsun Akashi linear switch would be more suitable for you. With its light bottom out force of 43 grams and creamy, frictionless feel, the Akashi provides a unique and resonant typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the Panda and Akashi switches will depend on whether you value hyper-tactility and thocky sounds or a smooth, crisp typing feel.
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