Aflion Panda vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the TTC Brother, a clicky switch. The Panda is praised for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize tactile feedback and a rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the Brother is celebrated for its lightweight actuation and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a clear, crisp click with each keystroke. While the Panda is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Brother is described as 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped'. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and how you value certain aspects of typing experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the TTC Brother, it's clear that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, despite using the same material for the top housing, the two keyboards differ in their bottom housing material. The Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Brother also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar sound quality as the Panda.
While both the Panda and Brother keyboards share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their differences in bottom housing materials offer unique sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Panda facilitates a deeper and fuller sound experience, creating a more rounded sound compared to the sharper tones of the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Brother's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deep and full sound but with a slightly different characteristic due to the variance in how sound is absorbed and resonated. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how subtle changes in construction can impact the overall sound quality of a keyboard.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Panda and Brother keyboards plays a significant role in the sound profiles they offer to users. While both keyboards benefit from the clarity and resonance provided by polycarbonate in the top housing, the differing characteristics of the nylon bottom housing create unique sound experiences. The Panda's nylon bottom housing enhances the depth and fullness of the sound, while the Brother's nylon bottom housing offers a similar quality with its own distinct resonance. Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each keyboard results in a balanced and dynamic sound profile that caters to different preferences in keyboard sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Brother clicky switch with an actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the Brother's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Panda switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to both its actuation and bottom out forces being on the heavier side. On the other hand, the Brother switch provides a lighter actuation force for a lighter touch when typing. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter touch of the Brother switch for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier feel of the Panda switch for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch have different travel distances. The Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Panda offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Brother provides a shorter travel distance, which may be favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a longer or shorter travel distance for your typing needs.
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 TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile, making each keystroke satisfyingly thocky. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch provides a crunchy sound signature reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, delivering clear and precise clicks that will delight fans of clicky switches. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. This creates an immersive typing sensation that strikes a balance between feedback and smoothness. In contrast, the TTC Brother clicky switch is easy-to-press and features a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Brother switch provides a stepped feel, offering a more subtle tactile experience compared to the Panda switch. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences, so selecting one will depend on your preference for tactile feedback.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers a hyper-tactile sensation and a thocky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize tactility and audio feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out with its lightweight nature, breezy actuation, and satisfyingly crunchy sound profile, catering to those who prefer a lighter typing experience with clear and precise clicky feedback. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch could provide a fulfilling typing experience, ensuring that you'll get satisfying results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It provides a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and is perfect for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch with a breezy actuation and a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, the TTC Brother clicky switch might be more suited to your preferences. With a bottom out force of None grams, this switch strikes the perfect balance between tactile feedback and a crisp key press. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a hyper-tactile typing experience with a deep sound profile (Aflion Panda) or a lightweight, clicky switch with a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature (TTC Brother).
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