Aflion Panda vs. Everglide Aqua King (V3)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the switch you choose can greatly impact your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Aqua King, a linear switch. Both switches offer unique advantages and cater to different preferences. The Panda is best known for its unparalleled and hyper-tactile sensation, providing a satisfying and clicky feedback with every keystroke. Additionally, it offers a "thocky" sound profile, adding to the auditory satisfaction while typing. On the other hand, the Aqua King stands out for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on a smooth ice surface. Typing on this switch creates a magical and effortless experience. The Panda is categorized as 'Accented,' 'Invigorating,' and 'Resonant,' while the Aqua King is described as 'Subdued,' 'Creamy,' 'Frictionless,' 'Silky,' and '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
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Aqua King, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. It is interesting to note that the aesthetic value of polycarbonate comes into play for both switches as well, as it allows for the use of RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are someone who values a clear sound profile and desires the option to use RGB lighting, both the Panda and Aqua King with their polycarbonate top housings will deliver similar results.
However, the differences arise in the bottom housing materials. The Panda utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and thus creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Aqua King incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. This brings the same sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, when pressing down on these switches, the bottom-out sound and feel will differ due to the material variation in their bottom housings. The Panda with its nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound, while the Aqua King with its polycarbonate bottom housing will maintain a sharper and more resonant sound.
In summary, both the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Aqua King share the advantages of using polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, the division comes in the choice of bottom housing materials. The Panda utilizes nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Aqua King sticks with polycarbonate for consistency in its sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Aqua King linear switch, there are similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Aqua King is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Panda's 50 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range when it comes to actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams of force, while the Aqua King requires 62 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, indicating a similar level of resistance when fully pressing the keys.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King might be a better choice as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This can be beneficial for extended periods of typing or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a more substantial and tactile typing experience is desired, the Panda's higher actuation force may provide the desired feedback.
While the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the two switches, both fall within the medium range. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of required force for triggering keystrokes and fully pressing down the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the Panda and Aqua King will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience - whether a lighter touch or a more substantial push feel is preferred.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Aqua King linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key featuring either of these switches, you will feel an equal distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Panda or the Aqua King, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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
The Aflion Panda tactile switch is best known for its breathtaking hypersensitivity and deep thocky sound profile. When typing on the Panda, users can expect a resonant sound with a clean and sharp quality, providing an immersive auditory experience. Moreover, the Panda offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This combination of features makes it a go-to choice for those seeking a hyper-tactile experience without overwhelming or subtle tactility.
On the other hand, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch offers a completely different subjective experience. The Aqua Kings are known for their frictionless feel that resembles skating on freshly resurfaced ice. Typing on these switches feels effortless as your fingers glide smoothly across the keys, creating a magical and almost ethereal typing experience. In terms of sound, the Aqua King produces a more subdued sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
To summarize, the Aflion Panda provides a resonant and thocky sound profile, combined with an invigorating and tactile typing experience. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a hyper-tactile switch with a distinctive sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Aqua King offers a frictionless and creamy typing feel that promotes fluid travel and minimal resistance. While they have different qualities, both switches excel in their respective areas, providing unique and enjoyable typing experiences. It's important to note that the sound and feel of the switches may also be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, so keep that in mind when selecting your setup.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Aqua King linear switch, you should consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and typing feel. If you value an unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation paired with a deep "thocky" sound profile, the Panda is the switch for you. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a frictionless and smooth typing feel similar to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice rink, the Aqua King is an excellent choice. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, this switch offers a magical and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Panda produces a resonant sound, while the Aqua King provides a more subdued sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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