Aflion Panda vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to choose between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow. The Panda is a tactile switch that is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize a responsive tactile force and sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow stands out as a linear switch with a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. While the Panda is categorized as accented, invigorating, resonant, the Cloudy Shadow falls into the low-pitched, mild, neutral category. Each switch offers unique benefits and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
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
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. However, while the top housings are the same material, the bottom housings of the Panda and Cloudy Shadow differ, with the Panda featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Cloudy Shadow also featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Panda's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound output of the switches. Despite having different bottom housings, both switches maintain the same top housing material, ensuring a consistent sound profile and feel when using the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the difference in bottom housing materials results in variations in sound depth and fullness. Understanding how the top and bottom housing materials interact can help users select the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and typing feel. Whether opting for the Panda with a nylon bottom housing or the Cloudy Shadow with a polycarbonate bottom housing, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that they both have medium actuation forces. The Aflion Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Panda is 60 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Cloudy Shadow's bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Cloudy Shadow a bit heavier in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Aflion Panda more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Aflion Cloudy Shadow for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Cloudy Shadow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Panda. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and offers a deeper press, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a quicker response, making it favored by gamers who value speed and fast reaction times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Panda offering a deeper press and the Cloudy Shadow offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are seeking.
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 Aflion Cloudy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloudy Shadow for $3.91.
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 and "thocky" sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience with sharp and clean tones. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow features a low-pitched and neutral sound signature, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most typing environments. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Panda delivering a more pronounced and tactile experience compared to the Cloudy Shadow's balanced and bouncy sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda offers an invigorating and accented tactile sensation that provides a moderate to firm actuation force and pronounced feedback for an immersive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow is described as providing a mild and gentle typing experience, with qualities that fall within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to a wider range of users. While the Panda offers a more intense and tactile feel, the Cloudy Shadow delivers a softer and smoother typing experience that may appeal to those looking for a more subtle tactile feedback.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and Cloudy Shadow switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation and resonant sound profile, ideal for those who value intense tactility and a deep thocky echo. In contrast, the Cloudy Shadow offers a balanced and bouncy feel with a neutral sound signature, providing a more versatile typing experience for a wider range of users. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a gentler typing experience, both switches offer high-quality performance and innovation from Aflion, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your preference.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with a bouncy feel and a more neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch might be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics and it's important to consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feedback when making your decision. Ultimately, your choice should align with what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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