Aflion Panda vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the KTT Darling present unique experiences for enthusiasts to consider. The Panda's tactile switch is celebrated for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a heightened sense of tactility and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Darling's linear switch offers a typing sensation that is described as chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. While the Panda is accentuated, invigorating, and resonant, the Darling is characterized by its bouncy, clacky, high-pitched, and resonant qualities. Both switches have their own unique strengths and appeal, making it important to delve deeper into their specific features to determine the best fit for individual 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and KTT Darling both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the nature of polycarbonate as a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches contributes to their overall aesthetics and sound quality.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Aflion Panda uses nylon while the KTT Darling also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. Both switches benefit from the sound qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, providing users with a unique typing experience that enhances the overall feel of the switch.
Overall, while the Aflion Panda and KTT Darling share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, the subtle differences in their design choices can result in variations in sound and feel. The top housing of a switch has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. By understanding the role of each housing material, users can appreciate the nuances in sound and feel that contribute to their typing experience with these switches.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces compared to the KTT Darling linear switch. The Panda requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Darling needs 45 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium range of force, with the Panda being on the heavier side and the Darling on the lighter side. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Panda may be the better choice, while the Darling is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. In terms of weight, these differences in force can impact the typing experience and ultimately come down to personal preference. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer a medium to medium-light typing experience, providing users with options based on their desired keypress feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, it is evident that the Panda has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Darling's 3.5 mm. This means that pressing down on the Panda switch will require a slightly deeper press than the Darling switch. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance is more in line with traditional switch distances, while the Darling's 3.5 mm distance falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Darling for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more deliberate key press may opt for the Panda with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key response.
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 Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 offers a resonant and thocky sound profile, creating a deep and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Darling provides a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp and percussive, adding to the tactile feedback of each keystroke. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, users looking for a richer and deeper sound may prefer the Panda, while those seeking a crisper and brighter sound may lean towards the Darling.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda is known for its hyper-tactile sensation, offering an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. On the other hand, the KTT Darling is described as having a chewy and substantial feel, combined with a bouncy feedback that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Users who prefer a more tactile and pronounced typing experience may gravitate towards the Panda, while those looking for a softer yet still responsive feel may opt for the Darling.
Overall, both the Aflion Panda and the KTT Darling offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Panda excels in providing a deep thocky sound and a hyper-tactile typing experience, the Darling offers a blend of bounciness and high-pitched sound that creates a satisfying and engaging typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Panda for a full-bodied tactile experience or the Darling for a lively and responsive typing feel. Both switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. Choose the Panda if you are looking for a switch that offers a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep "thocky" sound profile, providing a super responsive tactile force and full-bodied audio feedback. The Panda is best suited for those who value hypertactility and enjoy an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Darling if you prefer a linear switch that offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and springy responsiveness. The Darling excels in providing a satisfying typing experience with a resonant, high-pitched sound profile that blends tactile and auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the Panda and the Darling will depend on whether you prioritize hyper-tactility and "thocky" sound or a chewy, bouncy typing sensation with resonant auditory feedback.
Mentioned in this article
