Aflion Panda vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Akko Fairy, a linear switch. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it a top choice for those who prioritize a strong tactile force and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Fairy switches from Akko are celebrated for their smooth typing experience and comfortable medium weight, making them perfect for office settings where a quiet workspace and extended use are essential. While the Panda offers a tactile and resonant typing experience, the Fairy provides a polished, muted feel perfect for professional environments. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Akko Fairy both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Panda featuring a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Fairy has a nylon housing for both the top and bottom. The use of polycarbonate in the Panda's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which is ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Fairy's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite the differences, both switches provide unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
In terms of sound production, the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. The Panda's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housings ensures a balance between the sharpness and resonance of polycarbonate and the depth of sound created by nylon. In comparison, the Fairy's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing results in a more uniform sound profile that is deeper and fuller overall. Both switches showcase how the choice of housing material can impact the sound produced by mechanical switches.
While the Aflion Panda and Akko Fairy differ in their housing materials, they both emphasize the importance of housing material in influencing the sound profile of mechanical switches. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Panda offers a unique blend of sharpness and depth, while the Fairy's full nylon construction prioritizes a deep and full sound experience. Whether it's a stiffer housing for a clearer sound or a softer housing for a rounder sound, both switches demonstrate how the housing material can significantly affect the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Panda and the Fairy will come down to personal preferences in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch both have the same actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in terms of weight. This means that users can expect similar typing experiences when it comes to the required force for key presses. The actuation force is the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures pressing all the way down. Despite being equal in weight, the Panda provides a tactile feedback while the Fairy offers a linear feel. Some users may prefer the lighter weight for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of feedback style and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options compared to the Akko Fairy linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The difference may seem minor, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Panda's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced keypress feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Fairy's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of experience you are looking to achieve. Both switches offer quality performance, but with slightly different travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall function.
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 Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 offers a resonant and thocky experience that provides a sharp and clean auditory feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile, ideal for office settings where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities catering to different preferences, with the Panda being more resonant and the Fairy offering a softer sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is characterized by its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that enhances typing precision and speed. In contrast, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience suitable for extended use without causing fatigue. The Panda focuses on providing a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Fairy prioritizes a comfortable and smooth typing experience for daily professional tasks.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and Akko Fairy switches offer unique qualities catering to different preferences and needs. While the Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant sound profile, the Fairy focuses on a refined and comfortable typing experience with a quieter sound profile. Depending on whether the user values tactility and a sonorous sound or prefers a smooth and gentle typing feel, both switches offer high-quality performance in their respective categories. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, the Panda would be the ideal choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides an invigorating typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, if you work in an office setting and value a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Fairy switch from Akko with its factory-applied lubrication and medium weight may be more suitable for you. Its polished finish and neutral sound profile make it comfortable for extended use without causing fatigue. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize tactility and sound (Panda) or smoothness and quietness (Fairy) in your typing experience.
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