Aflion Panda vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Panda and the TTC Gold Brown Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique tactile experiences catering to different preferences. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value intense tactile feedback and a rich audio experience. Conversely, the TTC Gold Brown Pro provides a more subtle and nuanced tactile bump, allowing typists to seamlessly immerse themselves in their tasks without being overwhelmed by the keystrokes' sound. While the Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Gold Brown Pro is described as 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', and 'Stepped'. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits; 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
N/A
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
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and TTC Gold Brown Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon bottom housings of both switches create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their different bottom housing materials, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
While both the Aflion Panda and TTC Gold Brown Pro share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, the differences arise in their nylon bottom housings. The impact of the bottom housing material is more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel of typing on the switch. The use of nylon in the bottom housing adds a depth and fullness to the sound produced, whereas the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the overall sharpness and clarity of the sound. This demonstrates how the materials used in different parts of a switch can influence specific aspects of the typing experience, creating a unique blend of sound profiles in each switch.
In conclusion, despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, the Aflion Panda and TTC Gold Brown Pro both offer a combination of polycarbonate and nylon that contributes to their distinct sound profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing enhances the clarity and sharpness of the sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness. This demonstrates how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, providing users with a personalized typing experience based on their preferences for sound profile.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one is heavier in that aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch, as it has a slightly lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may opt for the Aflion Panda switch with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile 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. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 tactile switch offers a resonant and thocky profile, providing a clean and sharp sound with a deep and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, ensuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a subdued profile that remains a whisper, not a shout. While both switches provide satisfying sound feedback, the Panda excels in delivering a hyper-tactile and sonorous audio feedback, whereas the Gold Brown Pro offers a more subtle and understated sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is characterized by its accentuated and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a hyper-tactile sensation with a responsive and immersive typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch provides a polished, silky, and mild typing sensation, with a smooth and refined finish that minimizes resistance during key presses. The Gold Brown Pro switch also offers a subtle and stepped tactile experience, allowing typists to truly immerse in their tasks with gentle and nuanced feedback.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch cater to different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. The Panda excels in delivering a hyper-tactile and resonant sound profile accompanied by an accentuated and invigorating tactile feel, perfect for those who prioritize tactile feedback and a full-bodied sound. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a more subdued and understated sound profile with a polished and silky typing experience, ideal for individuals who prefer a smooth and subtle typing sensation. Depending on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you seek a super responsive and hyper-tactile typing experience with a deep "thocky" sound, the Panda is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and nuanced tactile bump with a subdued sound profile to minimize distractions, the Gold Brown Pro is the switch to consider. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and immersion preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches boils down to whether you prioritize hyper-tactility and a resonant sound or prefer a more subtle tactile feedback and a thocky low-pitched sound profile.
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