Aflion Panda vs. Zuoce Bubblegum
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Zuoce Bubblegum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and Zuoce Bubblegum stand out for their unique characteristics. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize tactile feedback and sonorous audio. On the other hand, the Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain offers a striking design with a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a unique and innovative feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM+SL
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Zuoce Bubblegum differ in their choice of top housing materials. The Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Bubblegum features a POM top housing, which produces a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the choice between polycarbonate and POM ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound profiles.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Aflion Panda and the Zuoce Bubblegum opt for nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite using the same bottom housing material, the unique sound characteristics of each switch come from the combination of the top and bottom housing materials. This split in housing materials allows for a mix of impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
While the Aflion Panda and the Zuoce Bubblegum utilize different top housing materials, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing brings a similar deep and full sound profile to both switches. The differences in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to the distinct characteristics of polycarbonate and POM. Polycarbonate's stiffness creates a clearer and more resonant sound, suitable for switches with RGB lighting, while POM's softer nature results in a deeper and more muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and the Zuoce Bubblegum will come down to individual preferences in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Panda has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Bubblegum's 37 grams, making the Panda require more pressure to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Panda also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Bubblegum's 45 grams, indicating that it will take more force to fully press the Panda switch down. In terms of weight, the Bubblegum is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Panda is heavier in both forces, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Panda has a slightly longer travel distance, making it suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Bubblegum offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for individuals looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of key press depth.
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 Zuoce Bubblegum has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bubblegum for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Panda offers a resonant typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile and a clean, sharp audio feedback. On the other hand, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch delivers a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. Depending on your personal preference, the Panda will provide a more immersive and sonorous typing experience, while the Bubblegum will give you a satisfyingly clacky sound that is bright and crisp.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda is described as accented with a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable feedback. It also offers an invigorating typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force for a responsive feel. In contrast, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback and a lively feel with rebound when the keys are pressed. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a firm actuation force, the Panda would be the better option, whereas the Bubblegum offers a more playful and elastic feel to the typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a switch that offers a satisfyingly clacky typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch would be more suitable. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and selecting between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who values a super responsive tactile force and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a satisfyingly clacky typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch would be the perfect option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, it's important to consider your own typing style and preferences when choosing between the Aflion Panda and Zuoce Bubblegum switches.
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