Aflion Panda vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offer distinct experiences for users. The Panda stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep, thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those who value hypertactility and a sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, catering to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience. While the Panda is best described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Cloud - 63.5g is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched'. 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
56g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 Cloud - 63.5g differ in their composition and resulting sound profile. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials provide unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Panda is more likely to be used for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, enhancing the visual appeal.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Panda and the Cloud - 63.5g opt for nylon. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon's softness absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite the different top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches share similar sound characteristics in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. This highlights the importance of the specific composition of each housing material in influencing the overall typing experience and sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the varying housing materials in the Aflion Panda and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g showcase how different plastics can impact the sound profile of mechanical switches. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the choice of polycarbonate or nylon for the top housing can significantly alter the perceived sound and feel of the keystrokes. Whether it be a sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound from nylon, the housing materials play a crucial role in defining the overall auditory and tactile feedback of these mechanical switches.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch with an actuation force of 56 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the Cloud - 63.5g needs 63.5 grams, making it the heavier option. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation force, but the Cloud - 63.5g leans towards the medium-heavy side when it comes to bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Panda, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Panda being on the longer side and the Cloud - 63.5g being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Panda. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress 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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 sound profile, providing a full-bodied audio feedback experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its clacky and bright typing sound, delivering a sharp and percussive auditory experience. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Panda leans towards a richer and more immersive sound, whereas the Cloud - 63.5g focuses on a crisp and high-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a highly tactile sensation with a moderate to firm actuation force. This switch provides a pronounced tactility and a snappy, reactive feel, creating an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is characterized as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Panda focusing more on tactile force and the Cloud - 63.5g offering a smoother typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant and thocky sound profile, appealing to those who value a rich tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a creamy feel, catering to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience with a smooth touch. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a bright typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique attributes in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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