Aflion Panda vs. Gateron Aliaz
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Aliaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Aliaz are two popular options to consider. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who value a responsive tactile force and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Aliaz switches are designed for quiet environments with their silent operation and medium-heavy weight, providing a substantial feel to each keystroke. While the Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', the Aliaz is labeled as 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished'. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
75g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Aliaz both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both the Panda and Aliaz switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the Panda's nylon bottom housing contrasts with the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing materials affects the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The softer nylon of the Panda creates a deeper sound upon key press, while the stiffer polycarbonate of the Aliaz provides a sharper and more resonant sound. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, with each component contributing to different aspects of the sound and feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Aliaz will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. The Panda offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the Aliaz provides a sharper and crisper sound through its polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, ensuring a consistent higher-pitched and clearer sound profile. Whether you prefer a softer or stiffer bottom housing material will contribute to the overall typing experience and may influence your decision between these two switches.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the Aliaz requires 75 grams, making the Aliaz the heavier option in both aspects. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Panda switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Aliaz switch would appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial typing feel with a heavier push. Both switches offer a tactile feel for satisfying feedback, but the difference in actuation and bottom out forces provides users with the opportunity to choose based on their preferred typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is the same, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance from the top to the bottom. This uniformity in travel distance ensures a similar tactile feel and keystroke experience for typing or gaming. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback without sacrificing the key travel distance, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Overall, the Aflion Panda and Gateron Aliaz tactile switches offer reliable performance with a consistent travel distance, delivering a comparable typing experience for users.
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 Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 Panda switches offer a resonant and deeply thocky profile, providing an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Aliaz switches have a muted sound profile, perfect for quiet environments like offices, as they produce a softer and quieter noise compared to other switches. While the Panda offers a more pronounced and resonant typing experience, the Aliaz focuses on minimizing noise without sacrificing the tactile feel.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switches are described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming while still providing a snappy and reactive typing sensation. Conversely, the Gateron Aliaz switches provide a silky and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Panda providing a more pronounced tactile feel and the Aliaz emphasizing smoothness and refinement.
Overall, the Aflion Panda switches are best suited for those who prioritize hyper-tactility and a full-bodied, resonant typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Aliaz switches are ideal for individuals who prefer a quieter typing experience but still desire a substantial and medium-heavy feel with a smooth and polished key travel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice. If you prefer one characteristic over the other, such as hyper-tactility or quietness, you can expect to get similar results in that aspect with either the Aflion Panda or Gateron Aliaz switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch, you should consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep "thocky" sound profile, the Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet typing experience in a medium-heavy weight switch, the Aliaz would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on whether you prefer a resonant and invigorating typing experience with the Panda or a muted and silky typing experience with the Aliaz. Consider these factors to choose the switch that best fits your typing style and environment.
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