Aflion Panda vs. Everglide Bamboo Green
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Bamboo Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Bamboo Green. The Aflion Panda, known for its Holy Pandas feature, offers an unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation with a deeply satisfying "thocky" sound profile. This switch is perfect for those who value a super responsive tactile force combined with a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green provides a clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility while typing. This switch is categorized by its stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished characteristics. Both switches offer unique experiences; however, let's delve deeper into the specific qualities of each switch to help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Bamboo Green differ significantly. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. In contrast, the Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile. While it may not be as crisp as polycarbonate, it also avoids sounding dull, resulting in a well-balanced auditory experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Panda employs a nylon material. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Everglide Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material. Just like the PBT top housing, the PBT bottom housing provides a neutral sound profile. It neither produces an extremely crisp sound nor a dull one, maintaining a balanced auditory experience.
Despite their differences, both switches exhibit unique qualities based on their housing materials. The Panda's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing ensures a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on a key, while producing a deeper and fuller sound when the key is released. On the other hand, the Bamboo Green's PBT top housing and PBT bottom housing contribute to a well-balanced sound profile throughout the typing experience. Whether it's the sharp and high-pitched sound of the Panda or the neutral sound of the Bamboo Green, both switches offer adequate auditory feedback to satisfy various preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch are quite similar. The Panda has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Bamboo Green's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range for actuation and bottom out forces.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Bamboo Green as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it a great option for individuals who use a keyboard extensively, especially in work or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Panda with its slightly heavier forces.
Overall, while there is a slight difference in actuation force between the Panda and the Bamboo Green, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of force required for keystrokes. The decision between the two would come down to personal preference, with the Panda offering a slightly heavier feel and the Bamboo Green providing a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance is important as it determines the amount of force required to activate the switch and the overall typing experience. With both the Panda and Bamboo Green switches having the same travel distance, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. So, whether you choose the Aflion Panda or the Everglide Bamboo Green, you can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
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 Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is best known for its profoundly "thocky" sound profile. When typing on the Panda switches, you can expect a deep and resonant sound that is both full-bodied and sonorous. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is described as having a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility. Both switches offer an immersive auditory experience, but the Panda switch has a more prominent and deep sound, while the Bamboo Green switch has a sharper and crisper sound. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is often described as accented, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. It has mild pre-travel and/or post-travel, offering a tactile sensation that is less intense compared to the Panda switch. The Bamboo Green switch is also described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is prominent but not scratchy. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switch is known for its sharp and crisp tactile bump, creating a distinctive feel with each and every keypress. The polished finish of the Bamboo Green switch also ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its unparalleled and hyper-tactile sensation, as well as its deep and resonant "thocky" sound profile. It offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility. Its stepped feel and prominent but not overwhelming tactility make for a unique typing experience. While the sound and feel of the two switches differ, both provide immersive typing sensations and can be chosen based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. Both switches have a similar bottom out force of medium 60-62 grams.
The Panda switch is known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation, making it ideal for those who value a highly tactile typing experience. It also offers a deep thocky sound profile, providing a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. So, if you prioritize hypertactility and a resonant sound profile, the Panda switch may be the better choice for you.
On the other hand, the Bamboo Green switch is characterized by a clacky sound signature and a crisp and sparkling tactility. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound and want a switch that delivers a clean and sharp sound profile, the Bamboo Green switch might be more suitable for your preferences.
In terms of feel, the Panda switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. It falls into the category of accented switches, providing a prominent amount of tactility without overwhelming or subtlety. On the other hand, the Bamboo Green switch is a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and post-travel. It also falls into the accented category, providing a medium level of tactility. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a smooth key travel experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prioritize hypertactility or a clacky sound signature, and whether you prefer an invigorating or stepped feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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