Aflion Panda vs. Durock Blue Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Durock Blue Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Panda and the Durock Blue Lotus. The Panda, known for its Holy Pandas feature, offers an unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and a profoundly "thocky" sound profile. This switch is perfect for individuals who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus switches from Durock deliver a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With its slightly reduced travel, these switches offer a marked tactile feel that many enthusiasts enjoy. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant and captivating RGB illumination. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Durock Blue Lotus both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound experience. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that resonates clearly. Additionally, the translucency of this material makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. While specific details about its sound profile are not mentioned, this material is likely to offer a distinct acoustic experience compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Panda and the Blue Lotus employ nylon, which enhances the sound produced while typing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a satisfying typing experience on both switches.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, their impact on sound varies depending on the action taken. Pressing down on a switch primarily reveals the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing of a switch influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, regardless of the differences in housing materials, pressing down on either the Panda or the Blue Lotus will provide a similar typing experience, while the release of a key may sound unique due to varying top housings.
Overall, while the Aflion Panda and the Durock Blue Lotus use different materials for their housings, they both aim to create delightful typing experiences. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes a sharp and clear sound profile, while the Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing offers a distinct and premium feel. On the other hand, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Therefore, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience, with slight variations in sound quality depending on the specific housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Durock Blue Lotus requires a slightly heavier touch with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. While the Panda is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Blue Lotus provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience. However, it is worth mentioning that both switches offer a similar level of resistance, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a medium to medium-heavy force for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired feel while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, there is a clear difference. The Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Panda falls into the more traditional range with its 4 mm travel distance, offering a satisfying depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.7 mm, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus allows for quicker keystrokes and heightened responsiveness. However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt for some individuals. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference - those seeking a more traditional and deeper travel distance may opt for the Panda, while those desiring a shorter and more immediate response may prefer the Blue Lotus. Both switches provide unique experiences and can deliver satisfying results in their own right.
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 Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 switch is best known for its resonant profile. Typing on these switches will produce a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy sound profile. This means that the sound during key presses will have a deeper and richer quality, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is important to note that the sound of the switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, both the Panda and Blue Lotus switches are described as accented in terms of tactile feedback. Accented switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. In addition, both switches offer a snappy feel. Snappy switches are highly responsive, delivering a typing experience that feels alive and energetic. However, the Blue Lotus switch also has a stepped feel. This means that the tactile feedback of these switches feels more mild compared to the Panda switches, with a noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
Based on the available information, the Aflion Panda switch stands out for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile. It offers a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus switch delivers a blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. It has a slightly reduced travel, making it perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switch features a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. While the Panda and Blue Lotus switches have similar accented tactile feedback and snappy feel, their sound profiles differ with the Panda being resonant and the Blue Lotus being bassy. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a hyper-tactile sensation, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the way to go. It offers a profound "thocky" sound profile, creating a sonorous audio feedback that is clean and sharp. The Panda switch provides an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a reactive feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a marked tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. The Blue Lotus switch also features a 3.7mm reduced travel distance, adding to its snappy feel. Additionally, it comes with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually captivating element to your keyboard.
Both switches have accented tactility, providing a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. However, the Blue Lotus switch also has a stepped feel, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes. This can offer a unique typing experience for those who prefer a more mild tactile sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch depends on your preferences regarding bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider whether you prioritize hyper-tactility and a thocky sound profile, or if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a marked tactile feel and snappiness. Don't forget to take into account the additional visual appeal offered by the Blue Lotus with its detachable light column. Happy typing!
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