Aflion Panda vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, stand out as distinct options. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and distinctive "thocky" sound profile, making it a top choice for those seeking a robust tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cheese offers unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky and poppy sound signature. While the Panda excels in providing a deep tactile force and sonorous audio feedback, the Cheese stands out for its ultra-lightness and unique sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the HMX Cheese differ in terms of composition and resulting sound profiles. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, while the Cheese's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder profile. This distinction in housing materials leads to a noticeable difference in the typing experience and overall sound feedback of each switch.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Panda and the Cheese utilize nylon as the material. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, with a deeper and fuller sound profile that is created by the relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. However, the difference in top housing materials may still contribute to slight variations in sound and feel when typing on each switch. Overall, the use of nylon as the bottom housing material in both switches ensures a consistent level of sound absorption and a rounder sound profile.
When considering how the qualities of the housing materials are distributed between the top and bottom of each switch, it is important to note that the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in the Panda, as well as the nylon housings in the Cheese, play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in a mechanical keyboard switch can greatly influence the sound and feel of typing, making it an important factor to consider for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, it is evident that they both have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Panda has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel. In contrast, the Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch when typing. Those who opt for the Panda can expect a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier forces, while Cheese users will enjoy a lighter touch that allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Panda has a longer travel distance compared to the Cheese switch. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Cheese switch with a 3.5 mm travel distance offers a shorter key press, which is favored by gamers for quicker response times. Both switches have their advantages, with the Panda offering a longer key travel distance and the Cheese providing a shorter, faster key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 and deep "thocky" noise that resonates with each key press, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch produces a clacky, poppy, and crisp sound that is unique to its ultra-light design. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, users can expect a satisfying and immersive audio feedback with either choice, depending on personal preference and other factors like keyboard construction and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as having an accented and invigorating tactile feel, offering a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming yet still provides a pronounced feedback. This creates a snappy and reactive typing sensation that is both satisfying and engaging for users. The feel of the HMX Cheese linear switch is not specified in the information provided, so it is recommended to try them out firsthand to experience their unique smoothness and pristine typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Panda provides a hyper-tactile sensation and a resonant "thocky" sound, the Cheese boasts a smooth typing experience with a clacky and poppy sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is looking for. Users can expect a high-quality and satisfying typing experience with either switch, tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, it ultimately comes down to what kind of typing experience you are looking for. If you value a super responsive tactile force paired with a deep thocky echo, then the Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an unparalleled smoothness and an ultra-light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound signature, then the Cheese would be the better option. Ultimately, consider your preference for tactility and sound profile when choosing between these two switches.
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