Aflion Panda vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the TTC Gold Red. The Aflion Panda is a tactile switch that is best known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and profoundly "thocky" sound profile. This switch offers a super responsive tactile force paired with a deep thocky echo, setting a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red is a linear switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches have a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. Categorized as "Accented," "Invigorating," and "Resonant," the Panda embraces its tactile nature, while the Gold Red is categorized as "Thocky," "Low-pitched," "Neutral," "Mild," "Silky," "Subtle," and "Polished." However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and TTC Gold Red switches, particularly in their top housings, are quite similar as they both utilize polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its stiffness, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics, both the Panda and Gold Red switches will deliver.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the two switches differ in their materials. The Panda switch utilizes nylon, which is considered a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which offers similar characteristics in terms of sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Panda and Gold Red switches will provide a similar experience.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, one will primarily feel the impact of the bottom housing, which contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound. Thus, while the top and bottom housings of the Panda and Gold Red switches differ, their overall performance and impact on the typing experience will still be comparable due to the similar qualities provided by their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, the Panda requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Gold Red requires slightly less at 43 grams. Both switches fall within the range of a medium actuation force, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Panda has a heavier requirement of 60 grams, whereas the Gold Red is lighter at 50 grams. This means that the Panda switch offers a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push for those who prefer a more tactile feel. However, the Gold Red switch's lighter bottom out force may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. While the Gold Red switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, the Panda switch provides a heavier and more substantial feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and weight considerations.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of tactile feedback, the Panda switch provides a tactile bump, giving users a distinctive sensation when actuating the switch. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch offers a smooth, linear feel without any tactile feedback. While both switches may have the same travel distance, the difference in tactile feedback can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is best known for its resonant profile. Typing on these switches will produce a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is described as having a thocky sound profile. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". Additionally, the Gold Red switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Panda being resonant and the Gold Red being thocky and low-pitched.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its accented properties. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, making it a medium tactile switch. It offers a pronounced amount of feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an invigorating typing sensation that immerses the user in their typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is described as having a mild feel. It offers a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, it is known for its silky smoothness, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Gold Red switch also has a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. Overall, the Panda switch provides an accented and invigorating feel, while the Gold Red switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch provides a resonant sound profile and an accented and invigorating feel, creating a hyper-tactile and sonorous typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch has a thocky sound profile with low-pitched tones and offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between the two switches to achieve the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard. However, it's important to keep in mind that while these descriptions provide a general idea, individual opinions may vary, and the final result will also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be your best choice. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Panda offers an unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound profile. This switch is ideal for those who value hypertactility and enjoy a resonant typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Gold Red provides a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. These switches have a thocky, low-pitched sound and offer a mild, silky feel, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you crave a highly tactile and resonant typing experience, go for the Aflion Panda. If you prefer a smoother and more subtle typing feel with a touch of personality, opt for the TTC Gold Red. Consider your desired sound profile, level of resistance, and typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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