Aflion Panda vs. Kailh Box Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Kailh Box Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Aflion Panda and the Kailh Box Jade. The Aflion Panda is a tactile switch that is known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and profoundly "thocky" sound profile. This switch offers a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, making it perfect for those who value hypertactility and a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade is a clicky switch that provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactility. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on it a delightful experience. Both switches offer their own distinct features and benefits that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you the most.
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
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Kailh Box Jade have similar housing materials, with both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar auditory and visual experiences from both the Panda and Box Jade switches when it comes to their top housings.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Box Jade also features a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing's sound-absorbing properties, enhancing the overall auditory feedback.
When it comes to the typing experience, the bottom housing plays a crucial role. It influences the bottom-out sound and feel, significantly impacting the user's typing experience. As such, both the Aflion Panda and the Kailh Box Jade showcase the qualities of their respective bottom housings, guaranteeing a satisfying typing sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing's impact is more pronounced when releasing a key, contributing to the sound profile when the key is let go.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and the Kailh Box Jade share a similar polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile, along with the option to use RGB lighting. Both switches also make use of a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deep and full sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. While the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing significantly contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches, with slight variations in sound depending on the keypress action.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, making them medium in terms of force required. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke and press all the way down. However, weight is an important consideration for different individuals. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for either of these switches, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, individuals seeking a heavier push feel and a more substantial typing experience may find satisfaction in both the Aflion Panda and Kailh Box Jade switches, as they both offer a medium level of force. Ultimately, the decision would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, we can observe that the Panda has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Panda falls into the traditional range of travel distances, offering a depth that is familiar to most users. On the other hand, the Box Jade provides a shallower travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers aiming for faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority for you, the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade would be the better choice. However, for those who appreciate a more rounded and substantial feel, the longer travel distance of the Panda switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize quick response or a more deliberate keystroke feel.
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 Kailh Box Jade 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, the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers a resonant experience. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp auditory experience. The deep "thocky" echo creates an immersive sound that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch provides a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. The clicks are known for their sharpness and the switches have a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offer an accented and invigorating typing experience. The switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. These qualities create an immersive typing sensation that is satisfying for those who prefer tactile switches. Overall, both switches deliver a similar level of feel, ensuring a positive typing experience.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile. It sets a new gold standard for those who prioritize hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch excels in providing a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying tactile and auditory experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with an unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and a deep "thocky" sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the way to go. It offers a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switch is your best choice. With its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, it delivers a satisfying typing experience. In terms of sound, the Panda has a resonant profile, creating a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp. The Box Jade, on the other hand, has a high-pitched sound with sharp and crisp clicks. Both switches offer accented and invigorating feels, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your preference for either a hyper-tactile thocky experience or a medium-heavy clicky typing feel.
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