Aflion Panda vs. Gateron Beer
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Beer switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and Gateron Beer both offer unique characteristics 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 a pronounced tactile force and sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Beer switch from Gateron stands out for its lightweight feel and stepped tactility, providing a more subtle tactile experience with a characteristic clacky sound signature. While the Panda offers an invigorating and resonant typing experience, the Beer switch is more easy-to-press and clacky. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Beer both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for light to shine through. However, the Panda uses nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
When comparing the two switches, the material composition of the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Beer's housing affects the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings for a sharp sound profile, the Panda's use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. This difference in bottom housing material influences the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer's consistent use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing maintains a sharp and crisp sound profile throughout the typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel produced during typing. The Aflion Panda's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique sound profile that is both sharp and deep. In contrast, the Gateron Beer's consistent use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing results in a more consistent sharp and crisp sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer quality typing experiences with their respective housing materials, showcasing the impact of material choice on switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch, it is evident that the Panda requires a heavier touch compared to the Beer. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with a medium actuation and bottom out force, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Beer provides a lighter touch, making it perfect for longer typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these switches fall into the category of moderate travel distances, with the Panda being slightly longer than the Beer. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, while the Beer's 3.4 mm provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the Gateron Beer for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Aflion Panda for its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 known for its resonant profile, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by a clacky sound, delivering a sharp and snappy tone when pressed. While the Panda offers a deep thocky echo, the Beer resonates with a characteristic clacky signature, providing users with distinct audio feedback depending on their preference and other factors such as keycaps and keyboard setups.
When it comes to the feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming yet still provides a noticeable amount of feedback. This switch provides a firm actuation force and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation for users who value tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is acknowledged for being easy-to-press and stepped, offering gentle resistance during key presses with a light actuation force. This results in a low-impact typing feel, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Panda tactile switch is revered for its hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its refreshingly lightweight feel and characteristic clacky sound signature. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing users with a range of options to enhance their typing experience based on their specific needs and preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Panda or Beer switch, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience that aligns with your tactile and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, along with a medium bottom out force, then the Panda switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a subtler tactility with a characteristic clacky sound signature, the Beer switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for either a resonant and invigorating typing experience with the Panda, or an easy-to-press and stepped feel with the Beer. Choose wisely based on your desired typing sensation and sound profile.
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