Aflion Panda vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red. The Panda stands out for its exceptional tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile. If you're someone who values hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, then the Panda is a top contender. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a budget-friendly linear switch option. Designed for a smooth typing experience, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and ease of use with their medium-light actuation force. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects. Its medium-high pitch also offers a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches have their unique strengths, offering different characteristics to cater to 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red share some similarities in terms of housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it suitable for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using these two switches.
However, there is a notable difference in the bottom housing material. The Panda utilizes nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile.
When it comes to the overall impact on the switch's sound and feel, the qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role. Pressing down on either the Panda or the G Pro 3.0 Red will evoke the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the polycarbonate top housing. Understanding these differences allows users to choose a switch that aligns with their preferred sound and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Red the lighter option between the two switches.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a slightly lighter actuation force, allowing for a smoother and potentially faster typing or gaming experience. This can be advantageous for users who need to type for extended periods of time or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as the lighter actuation force reduces fatigue. However, it's worth noting that the Panda still falls within a comfortable range for many users, and its slightly higher bottom out force can provide a more substantial feel while typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference. Those who enjoy a lighter, more effortless keystroke may find the G Pro 3.0 Red to be a better fit, while individuals seeking a slightly heavier and more tactile typing experience may prefer the Panda. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer reliable performance and smooth actuation, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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
The Aflion Panda tactile switch is well-known for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and profound "thocky" sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a resonant sound profile that is clean, sharp, and higher-pitched. This creates an immersive auditory experience that is full-bodied and sonorous. The feel of the Panda switch is described as accented, providing a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an invigorating typing sensation.
On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro line-up. These switches are designed to deliver a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The sound profile of the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as neutral, offering a moderate pitch that provides a satisfying auditory experience. The feel of these switches can be creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This could be due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch has qualities of mildness and polish, resulting in a comfortable and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the subjective qualities of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch differ significantly. The Panda switch provides a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant and thocky sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a smooth linear feel with a neutral sound profile. Their respective feel descriptors highlight the accentuated and invigorating nature of the Panda switch, while the G Pro 3.0 Red switch's mildness, creaminess, and polish ensure a comfortable and polished typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, by choosing the Panda or G Pro 3.0 Red switch, users can achieve distinct typing experiences that align with their preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a hyper-tactile sensation, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice. It offers a super responsive tactile force and a deep thocky sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch would be a great option. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, with a medium-light actuation force. Additionally, it features a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting effects and provides a satisfying auditory experience with its medium-high pitch. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your preference for tactility and sound, with the Aflion Panda offering a more accentuated tactile feel and resonant sound, and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red providing a creamy, mild, polished, or silky typing experience depending on your desired switch variant.
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