Aflion Panda vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in conversation are the Aflion Panda and the KTT Glimp. The Panda, a tactile switch, is best known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and deeply "thocky" sound profile. This switch is perfect for those who value a heightened sense of touch and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback while typing. On the other hand, we have the Glimp, a linear switch, which strikes the perfect balance for individuals seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. It offers a comfortable actuation force accompanied by tactile feedback. Moreover, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the KTT Glimp share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both the Panda and the Glimp.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. On the other hand, the Glimp also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar sound experience. Therefore, users can expect the same qualities of a deeper and fuller sound profile from both switches due to the nylon bottom housing.
When using switches with different top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will affect different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. While the specific qualities of the Panda and Glimp may vary slightly due to their individual design, both switches provide a combination of different housing materials that contribute to a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly. The Aflion Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in weight. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classified as medium-light. Both switches fall within the same weight range, ensuring a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter switch to accommodate long typing sessions or extended gaming periods, the KTT Glimp may be the preferable choice. However, individuals seeking a firmer and more substantial keystroke may lean towards the slightly heavier Aflion Panda. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel and experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of their 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 Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 described as resonant. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, providing a satisfying "thocky" echo that is unique to the Panda. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch is characterized as clacky. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. Additionally, the Glimp switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users, whether you are a beginner or an advanced typist, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It is important to note that the actual sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is best described as accented and invigorating. The Panda offers a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, giving a medium tactile switch that provides a satisfying amount of feedback. It has a moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch is described as creamy and mild. The Glimp switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. It has a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users. The feel of both switches provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience, with the Panda emphasizing tactile feedback and the Glimp emphasizing smoothness.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch offer distinctive qualities in both sound and feel. The Panda provides a resonant sound profile with a satisfying "thocky" echo, while the Glimp offers a clacky sound that adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. The Panda offers an invigorating typing feel, with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Meanwhile, the Glimp provides a creamy typing experience, with smooth and buttery key presses. While the two switches have different characteristics, both provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience. Whether you prefer a hyper-tactile and resonant switch like the Panda or a medium-light and clacky switch like the Glimp, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep "thocky" sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the better choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch that strikes the perfect balance between typing experience and resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the way to go. With its bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel, along with a fairly clacky sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for either a hyper-tactile and thocky experience or a medium-light and clacky typing feel.
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