Aflion Panda vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the KTT Cream Yellow. While both switches offer a unique typing experience, they differ in their design and characteristics. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile. It provides an accentuated and invigorating tactile feedback that comes with a resonant audio experience. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem offer resonant audio feedback, while its lengthened spring contributes to a bouncy typing feel. Both switches have their strengths, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the KTT Cream Yellow share the same housing materials, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be showcased effectively, thanks to its translucency. Therefore, both the Aflion Panda and the KTT Cream Yellow will offer a similar sound experience and visual appeal when it comes to their top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches feature a nylon construction. This choice of material brings about a distinct sound profile, characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Hence, whether you're typing on the Aflion Panda or the KTT Cream Yellow, you can expect a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
While both switches sport contrasting top and bottom housings, it's important to note that the qualities of each material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. Pressing down on the switch will primarily showcase the characteristics of the bottom housing, contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more significant influence on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, despite the differences in their housing materials, users can anticipate a cohesive typing experience when using either the Aflion Panda or the KTT Cream Yellow, with slight variations in sound and feel depending on whether they are pressing or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical. This means that in terms of actuation, the results will be similar for both switches.
However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight distinction. The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Aflion Panda switch requires slightly more force to fully press down compared to the Cream Yellow switch.
In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category. The difference in bottom out force between the two switches is relatively small, so it may not have a significant impact on the overall typing or gaming experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference. Some may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Aflion Panda switch for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the KTT Cream Yellow switch, which has a slightly lighter bottom out force.
Overall, both switches provide a medium actuation force and offer a reliable and comfortable typing experience, but the Aflion Panda switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the KTT Cream Yellow switch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Panda switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow switch. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, offering a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes, which can be advantageous in gaming situations. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences - those looking for a more responsive typing experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow, while those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke may opt for the Panda switch. Both switches provide distinct experiences, offering options for users with varying preferences for travel distance.
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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 is best known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and a profoundly "thocky" sound profile. When typing on the Panda, you can expect a deep, resonant sound that provides a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Cream Yellow switch produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers an invigorating typing experience. With a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, using the Panda switch creates an immersive typing sensation. The switch falls under the category of an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch provides a bouncy typing feel. The keys have a lively sensation, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback when pressed.
Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that the Aflion Panda tactile switch and KTT Cream Yellow linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Panda switch excels in providing hyper-tactility, a deep thocky sound profile, and an invigorating typing experience. Meanwhile, the Cream Yellow switch stands out for its clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and distinct audio feedback. If a user prefers hypertactility and a resonant sound, the Panda switch would be the ideal choice. Alternatively, for those who enjoy a clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch would provide a similar result. Ultimately, the decision will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep "thocky" sound profile in a switch, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be your best choice. The Panda offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and is renowned for its unparalleled tactile force and sonorous audio feedback. It provides an invigorating typing feel with pronounced feedback and a reactive sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be more suitable. With a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams, the Cream Yellow delivers a resonant clacky sound and a uniquely lively and elastic feedback sensation. Ultimately, your decision between the Aflion Panda and KTT Cream Yellow should be based on whether you value hyper-tactility and a full-bodied thocky sound or a clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience.
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