Aflion Panda vs. Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering their unique features and qualities. Two notable switches in the market are the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Baby Raccoon. The Panda, known for its Aflion's take on the Holy Pandas, offers an unparalleled tactile sensation, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who value hypertactility. Additionally, its deep thocky sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon stands out with its bright sound signature and crisp type feel, achieved through its lengthened switch stems. This unique characteristic gives it a "marbley" quality that elevates the typing experience. Both switches have their strengths, but let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch is best suited for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Baby Raccoon share a common feature: polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches using RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that provides a clear and resonant sound profile with the added aesthetic option of RGB lighting, both the Panda and the Baby Raccoon would deliver similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, these switches differ. The Panda features a nylon bottom housing, while the Baby Raccoon also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, if you prioritize a switch with a quieter typing experience and a deeper sound profile, both the Panda and the Baby Raccoon would excel in these aspects.
It is important to note that while the top and bottom housings play a role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact and sound of the bottom housing will be more pronounced. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, understanding the significance of each housing material in different aspects of the switch's performance can help determine which switch aligns with your specific preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch, there are a few similarities and differences to consider. Firstly, both switches have medium actuation forces, with the Panda requiring 50 grams, and the Baby Raccoon needing slightly more at 55 grams. This means that both switches will offer a balanced level of resistance when triggering a keystroke. Similarly, their bottom out forces are also within the medium range, with the Panda requiring 60 grams and the Baby Raccoon slightly heavier at 63 grams.
In terms of weight, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the lighter option, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. It allows for comfortable and prolonged typing sessions, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions where endurance is key. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is slightly heavier, offering a stronger push feel. This can be appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch are quite similar, the slight variations in their weights offer different typing experiences to cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Panda's travel distance is longer by 0.4 mm compared to the Baby Raccoon. The Panda's 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the traditional range, providing a familiar and comfortable key press experience. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, catering to gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes, ideal for gaming enthusiasts. However, it's important to note that while a shorter travel distance may enhance responsiveness, it can give a more abrupt feeling to some users. So, if you value a deeper key press experience, the Aflion Panda with a longer travel distance would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences and the desired level of key press depth.
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 Raccoon (V2) comes in at $5.50 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, both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch share some similarities. They are both described as resonant switches, meaning they produce a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound of both switches is described as clean and sharp. However, the Baby Raccoon switch also has the descriptor of "marbly," indicating a characteristic that can be likened to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. This suggests that the Baby Raccoon switch may have a slightly unique sound profile compared to the Panda switch. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Panda switch is described as having an accented and invigorating tactile feel. This means it provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, and it offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon switch is described as having a creamy and bouncy feel. The creamy sensation suggests a smooth and buttery typing experience, possibly due to lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. The bouncy descriptor indicates a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switch is also described as invigorating, which aligns with the Panda switch's invigorating feel. Both switches aim to create an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch is best known for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, while the Baby Raccoon switch stands out with its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp feel. While they share some similarities in terms of sound and feel descriptors, such as being resonant and invigorating, the Baby Raccoon switch also possesses unique qualities such as being marbly and creamy. Depending on personal preference, both switches provide their own distinct typing experience that caters to different needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the one for you. These switches offer unparalleled tactility and a deep "thocky" sound profile, setting a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility and a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp type feel, then the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is the ideal choice. With their lengthened switch stems, these switches provide a marbley, resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon offers various tactile experiences, including a creamy and polished feel for smooth and buttery typing, and a bouncy and invigorating sensation for a lively and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch depends on your personal preference for tactility and sound profile.
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