Aflion Panda vs. Bsun Avocado
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Avocado switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Panda and the BSUN Avocado mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those who value intense tactility and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the avocado provides a refreshing tactile experience with a snappy bump and buttery downstroke, offering satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. While the panda is categorized as accented, invigorating, and resonant, the avocado is labeled as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different users. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Avocado, it is clear that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for an enhanced RGB lighting experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches creates a more resonant and clear sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience for users of both keyboards.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Panda employs nylon while the Avocado also utilizes the same material. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Despite the switch in top housing material, the similarities in the nylon bottom housings of the Panda and Avocado allow for a consistent typing experience with a rich sound profile that many keyboard enthusiasts may appreciate.
With the different housing materials used in the top and bottom of the Aflion Panda and Bsun Avocado, users can expect varying sound profiles based on where the material is placed within the switch. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This distinction allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with users being able to appreciate the qualities brought by both polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing of these high-quality keyboards.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Bsun Avocado's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the Avocado needs 65 grams, making the Avocado the heavier option in this category. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, but the Avocado leans towards the medium-heavy side compared to the Panda. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Panda may be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Avocado provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, suiting those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Panda being on the longer side and the Avocado being on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Avocado for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while others who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Bsun Avocado has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Avocado for $4.00.
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 switch offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience with a deep, thocky echo, creating a unique sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Bsun Avocado switch presents a mild and neutral sound signature, providing a quieter typing experience that may be more suitable for those who prefer a less audible keyboard. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer distinct sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Panda and Bsun Avocado switches are described as accented and invigorating, providing a satisfying amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Avocado switch is noted for its snappy and responsive bump, offering a buttery downstroke that adds to the overall typing experience. While the Panda switch is praised for its hyper-tactile sensation, the Avocado switch also delivers a pronounced feedback and reactive feel that many users enjoy. Both switches offer a tactile sensation that can elevate the typing experience for users who appreciate a responsive and engaging feel.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and Bsun Avocado switches each bring their own strengths to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch offers a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant and thocky sound profile, while the Avocado switch provides a snappy and responsive bump with a mild and neutral sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, users can expect a similar level of tactile satisfaction from either switch, but with distinct sound profiles that may appeal to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the BSUN Avocado tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and crave a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep, "thocky" sound, the Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a snappy, responsive bump leading into a buttery downstroke with a mild, neutral sound signature, the Avocado could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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