Aflion Panda vs. SP-Star Ayara
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the SP-Star Ayara switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Aflion Panda and the SP-Star Ayara. The Panda switch is well-known for its unparalleled tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile. It offers a super responsive tactile force, providing a hyper-tactile experience that many enthusiasts value. On the other hand, the Ayara switch stands out for its medium heftness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. Typing on the Ayara switches offers a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfying clacky sound. While these generalities give us a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper to fully understand and decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
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
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
Two-stage
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the SP-Star Ayara differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ayara incorporates a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, the Panda's polycarbonate top housing provides a brighter and more vibrant sound, while the Ayara's nylon top housing offers a richer and deeper sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Panda and the Ayara utilize nylon as their housing material. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastic materials. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a more immersive and satisfying typing experience. However, as the top and bottom housings are different for each switch, the characteristics of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the SP-Star Ayara showcase distinct characteristics and resulting sound profiles. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Ayara's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the respective impacts of the top and bottom housing materials differ, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing having a greater impact on key release sound. Overall, while the switches may share some similarities in terms of certain sound characteristics, their housing materials ultimately contribute to different sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch to the SP-Star Ayara linear switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Ayara's specific actuation force is unknown. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Panda requiring 60 grams and the Ayara weighing in at 62 grams. In terms of weight, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Panda switch, as its actuation force is slightly lighter. This can be advantageous for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ayara switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial and pronounced typing experience for individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in providing tactile feedback and determining the overall typing experience. In the case of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch, both switches share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect to feel and traverse a 4 mm distance. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches offer a consistent level of physical feedback, allowing users to enjoy a similar typing experience regardless of their choice. Ultimately, whether opting for the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the SP-Star Ayara linear switch, users can rely on a 4 mm travel distance to provide them with a satisfying tactile experience while typing.
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 SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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 stands out with its resonant profile. Typing on these switches will provide a higher-pitched sound that offers an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, giving a satisfying thocky echo. On the other hand, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate pitch. It produces a clacky sound when pressed, which may not be as resonant as the Panda switch. Overall, the Pandas offer a more distinct and sonorous audio feedback, while the Ayaras provide a solid clack without being too overpowering in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as accented, offering a medium level of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a pronounced amount of tactility, creating an invigorating typing experience. The Ayara switch, on the other hand, is described as polished. This indicates a smoother and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing feel. The materials used and potential factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Ayara switch may lack the same level of tactile feedback as the Panda, it compensates with a polished feel that enhances the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and SP-Star Ayara switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda is known for its hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile, providing a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Ayara switch offers a clacky sound and a polished feel, suitable for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. While the Panda switch excels in its tactile feedback and resonant sound, the Ayara switch compensates with its smooth and refined typing feel. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value an unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and a profound "thocky" sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium heftness that many users appreciate. The Panda offers a super responsive tactile force and a deep thocky echo, setting a new gold standard for those who prioritize hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for beginners and advanced users alike. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference for sound and feel when deciding between these two switches.
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