Aflion Panda vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and Durock Dolphin stand out as top contenders. The Aflion Panda is praised for its exceptional tactility and deep "thocky" sound profile, setting a new standard for those who value a highly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin excels in its silent operation, making it a perfect choice for quiet office environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force, it offers a precise and satisfying typing experience. While the Panda offers hypertactility and a rich audio feedback, the Dolphin provides a polished and muted typing experience. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Panda and the Durock Dolphin utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This material is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in materials between the top and bottom housing, both switches offer a unique combination of sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
While the Panda and Dolphin share similarities in their choice of housing materials, the differences lie in how these materials affect the sound and feel of the switches. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile when keys are released, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the softer nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. This combination of housing materials in each switch provides a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, catering to a variety of typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and the Durock Dolphin showcase the unique impact that different housing materials can have on the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp sound profile and nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound, the distribution of these materials between the top and bottom of the switches results in distinct typing experiences. These differences highlight the versatility and customization options available in the mechanical keyboard community, allowing enthusiasts to tailor their typing experience to their specific preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, some differences can be observed. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Dolphin's actuation force is unknown and has a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of force required. In terms of weight, the Panda is slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Dolphin offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force levels.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Panda being slightly longer than the Dolphin. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Dolphin for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may opt for the Panda with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress 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 Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, providing a truly immersive typing experience for those who appreciate a responsive feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch stands out for its silent operation and medium-heavy actuation force, making it a great choice for quiet environments and users seeking a balance between precision and resistance. While the Panda offers a resonant and accented typing experience, the Dolphin provides a muted and polished feel, each catering to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, and depending on your preferences, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation with a thocky sound profile, opt for the Panda. It is the go-to option for those seeking a full-bodied tactile experience with a responsive force. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent and smooth typing experience, the Dolphin is the ideal choice. Its muted sound profile and medium-heavy actuation force cater to those who prefer a quieter switch with a bit more resistance. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound (Panda) or smoothness and silence (Dolphin).
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