Aflion Panda vs. Durock Anubis
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Durock Anubis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options have gained quite the reputation for their tactile feedback and distinct sound profiles: the Aflion Panda and the Durock Anubis. The Panda, known for its hyper-tactile sensation and profound "thocky" sound, sets a gold standard for those who value a responsive tactile force and a sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Anubis offers a deep and resonant sound profile, with a more pronounced bump that adds an intense level of tactility to each keystroke. Both switches fall into the category of "Accented" tactility, but the Panda is invigorating and resonant, while the Anubis is neutral and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Durock Anubis both have different housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Anubis has a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the Panda's polycarbonate housing provides a more clear and resonant sound compared to the Anubis's nylon housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Panda and the Anubis utilize nylon. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches of either keyboard. The relatively softer nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, giving both keyboards a similar sound experience. However, despite the similarities, the split between the top and bottom housings ensures that the characteristics brought by each material are distinct. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt more, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
While the Panda and the Anubis differ in their top housing materials, they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This creates similarities in the deeper and fuller sound profiles experienced while typing on these keyboards. However, the polycarbonate top housing of the Panda produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Anubis's nylon top housing creates a more rounded and duller sound. Additionally, the split between the top and bottom housings ensures that the qualities brought by each material are distinct, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and the Durock Anubis will come down to personal preference for the type of sound profile desired.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Anubis tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. The actuation force for the Panda is 50 grams, while the Anubis has an unavailable actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Panda at 60 grams and the Anubis at 65 grams, making the Anubis slightly heavier in this regard.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods, as it allows for greater endurance. In this aspect, the Panda seems to be the lighter option. On the other hand, some users prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience, providing a stronger push feel. In this case, the Anubis with its heavier bottom out force may be a preferred choice.
Ultimately, while the actuation force for the Anubis remains unknown, it is important to note that both switches share a medium bottom out force, providing a similar typing experience in that regard.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Anubis tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, the results in terms of travel distance will be similar for both switches.
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 Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00 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 Panda tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant "thocky" sound profile. Typing on the Panda switch offers an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Durock Anubis tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile. It is described as having a moderate sound, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. In conclusion, the Panda switch provides a resonant and thocky sound, while the Anubis switch offers a more neutral sound experience.
In terms of feel, both the Panda and Anubis switches are described as accented tactile switches, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They offer a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The Panda switch is also labeled as invigorating, offering a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Anubis switch is noted to have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to the use of high-quality materials and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Therefore, both switches provide a tactile experience with a prominent tactile bump, but the Anubis switch offers the additional benefit of a polished finish for smoother typing.
In summary, the Aflion Panda and Durock Anubis tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch is known for its deep and resonant "thocky" sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. Its feel is accented and invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a responsive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Anubis switch has a more neutral sound profile and a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. Its feel is also accented and provides a tactile bump without being overwhelming. Both switches are suitable for those who prioritize tactile feedback, but they offer different sound profiles and additional features. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can choose either switch to achieve similar results in terms of tactile satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Anubis tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile, then the Panda switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a super responsive tactile force and a sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper tactility that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke, the Anubis switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams is the better choice. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback, and its bump is more pronounced compared to other tactile switches. In terms of sound, the Panda switch has a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience, while the Anubis switch has a neutral and moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. In terms of feel, both switches offer an accented tactile experience without being overwhelming or subtle. However, the Panda switch is described as invigorating with a snappy and reactive feel, while the Anubis switch is described as polished with a smooth and refined finish. Consider these factors to make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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