Aflion Panda vs. Aflion Blue Sky
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Blue Sky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and Aflion Blue Sky are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Panda stands out with its signature feature known as the Holy Pandas, offering an unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation combined with a profoundly "thocky" sound profile. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky boasts a crystal clear linear typing experience, thanks to its long pole stem. This switch provides a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-pitched and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
15mm spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Blue Sky, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material offers similar benefits to both switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a more vibrant display. In terms of aesthetics, these keyboards will provide a visually appealing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Panda and the Blue Sky differ as they utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a distinctive typing experience. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing's impact is felt when pressing down on the switch, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel.
Considering the impact of both top and bottom housings, pressing down on the switch will primarily showcase the qualities of the nylon bottom housing for both the Panda and the Blue Sky. This means that users will experience a deeper and fuller sound when typing on these keyboards. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more significant effect on the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, the differences in housing materials will be most noticeable during the typing experience, offering a unique auditory feedback depending on whether you are pressing or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, it is evident that both switches have identical forces. Both the Panda and the Blue Sky have an actuation force of 50 grams, which refers to the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which indicates the amount of force needed to press the key all the way down.
In terms of weight consideration, neither switch is lighter or heavier than the other since they possess the same actuation and bottom out forces. For individuals who prefer lighter switches, as it enables them to type for longer durations without fatigue or strain, both the Panda and the Blue Sky present ideal options. These lighter switches are suitable for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, both the Panda and Blue Sky switches, with their identical actuation and bottom out forces, would provide a similar satisfying typing experience.
In summary, while the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch share the same actuation force and bottom out force, they cater to different preferences for typing experiences. The choice between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter feel for extended usage or a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing sensation.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you can expect to feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offer similar results.
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 Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
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 resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches results in a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound when pressed. It produces a sharp and crisp sound, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more vibrant audio feedback. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented. It falls into the category of medium tactile switches, providing a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. These switches offer an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating a highly engaging sensation. Conversely, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is characterized as mild. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced tactile characteristics. Its qualities are approachable to most users, as they fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. Moreover, the Blue Sky switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubrication, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation, providing a super responsive tactile force paired with a deep thocky sound profile. It offers a unique and full-bodied audio feedback that sets a new standard for those who highly value hypertactility. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel. While both switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of sound if they prefer resonant or higher-pitched switches. Similarly, those who enjoy an invigorating or mild typing experience can find satisfaction with the tactile sensation of the Panda or the approachable qualities of the Blue Sky switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. With its unparalleled combination of a super responsive tactile force and a deep thocky echo, it sets a new gold standard for those who prioritize hypertactility. On the other hand, if you prefer a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the perfect fit. It offers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making it a great option for those who appreciate a higher-pitched audio feedback. Additionally, it provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and skill levels. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer an accented and invigorating experience or a mild and polished one, Aflion has you covered with both the Panda and Blue Sky switches.
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