Aflion Panda vs. Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, both of which are tactile switches. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its unparalleled and hyper-tactile sensation, providing a satisfyingly tactile experience with every keystroke. Additionally, it boasts a profound "thocky" sound profile, delivering a deep and resonant audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo offers a crisp and light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a marbly sound profile. With categories such as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Polished', these switches deliver an invigorating and lively typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision regarding which switch is the perfect fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo both use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material brings about similar qualities in both switches, as polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucent nature is especially advantageous for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, while the housing materials of the Panda and the Baby Kangaroo are the same, they both have the potential to deliver comparable results in terms of sound production and aesthetic appeal.
Similarly, both the Panda and the Baby Kangaroo use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, regardless of the slight differences in their overall construction, the bottom housings of the Panda and the Baby Kangaroo are expected to provide similar typing experiences in terms of sound quality. Both switches are likely to offer a satisfying depth and richness in their sound profiles.
When it comes to the division of qualities between the top and bottom housings, both the Panda and the Baby Kangaroo adhere to the same principle. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, despite any potential variations in the specific materials used or their composition, users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile and auditory experiences provided by the Panda and the Baby Kangaroo switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, but the Baby Kangaroo is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force, making it medium-heavy.
Considering the weight of a switch is important for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue, which is especially beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. For such individuals, opting for switches with heavier forces is more suitable.
In terms of actuation force, the Panda requires a lighter touch, as it only needs 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Baby Kangaroo requires slightly more force at 59 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Panda allows for a lighter press at 60 grams compared to the Baby Kangaroo's 67 grams.
Overall, while both switches offer a tactile experience and fall within the medium range, the Baby Kangaroo is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Baby Kangaroo more suitable, while those looking for a lighter touch and longer typing endurance may opt for the Panda.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch have different travel distances. The Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. Therefore, if responsiveness is your main priority, the Baby Kangaroo would be the better option. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, then the Panda, with its longer travel distance, would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 Baby Kangaroo (V2) has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Baby Kangaroo (V2) 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is renowned for its "thocky" sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a deep, resonant, and sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a marbley sound profile. This implies a clean, high-pitched, and resonant sound similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. Both switches provide unique sound qualities, with the Panda offering a more profound thocky echo and the Baby Kangaroo providing a crisp, bright, and percussive clacky sound when pressed. The ultimate sound experience will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. This switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is characterized as snappy and bouncy. This suggests that it offers super responsiveness, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, and a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda is known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation, paired with a deep thocky echo, making it ideal for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo provides a crisp, light switch-like tactility along with a marbley sound profile. Both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, but the specific choice will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. It's important to consider other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. The Panda has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Baby Kangaroo has a medium-heavy force of 67 grams. If you prefer a lighter switch, the Panda may be more suitable for you.
In terms of sound, the Panda offers a resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo produces a clacky and marbly sound, which can be crisp, bright, and percussive. If you enjoy a rich and bassy sound profile, the Panda is a good option, but if you prefer a sharper and cleaner sound, the Baby Kangaroo may be more appealing.
When it comes to feel, the Panda provides an accented and invigorating experience, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Meanwhile, the Baby Kangaroo offers a snappy and bouncy feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a lighter or heavier switch, a resonant or clacky sound, and an accented or snappy feel. Take into account how these factors will contribute to your typing experience and select the switch that aligns best with your preferences. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of tactility, sound, and feel, so choose the one that suits your typing style and sound preferences the most.
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