Aflion Panda vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, it's evident that they offer unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile, setting a new standard for those who value tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch boasts a silky smooth typing experience due to its full nylon construction and factory lube, providing a frictionless and subdued feel. While the Panda is accented, invigorating, and resonant, the Ice King Linear is described as silky, creamy, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences in typing experience. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and Durock Ice King Linear both feature a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Panda's top housing is made of polycarbonate, giving it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Ice King Linear's top housing is also made of nylon, which provides a deep and full sound similar to its bottom housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Panda's top housing allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, both the Ice King Linear's top and bottom housings are made of nylon, which is a classic switch housing material with a more traditional look. While the nylon housing in the Ice King Linear may not offer the same visual effects as polycarbonate, it still provides a consistent sound experience with its bottom housing contributing to the deeper sound while the top housing maintains a full sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Panda and Durock Ice King Linear housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Panda's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique blend of sharp and crisp sounds from the top with a deeper sound from the bottom, while the Ice King Linear's consistent use of nylon creates a fuller and rounder sound throughout. Both switches showcase the impact housing materials can have on sound quality and demonstrate the importance of considering all aspects of a switch's construction when making a decision.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, we find that both switches fall into the medium force category. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of force required for keystrokes and bottoming out. However, the Ice King Linear is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Panda. As a result, those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Ice King Linear, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Panda's slightly heavier force more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing pressure and feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Panda switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear switch. In terms of typing or gaming experience, the Panda's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press with a deeper feel, while the Ice King Linear's slightly shorter travel distance may offer faster response times that are preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience 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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience that is immersive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch produces a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a subtle and quieter typing experience. Both switches can deliver excellent sound quality, but the Panda will give you a higher-pitched and more immersive sound, while the Ice King Linear will provide a more subdued and gentle typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers an invigorating and accented tactile sensation, providing a pronounced feedback with moderate to firm actuation force for a snappy and reactive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, with an exceptionally smooth feel and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches can offer an excellent typing experience, but the Panda will provide a more tactile and responsive feel, while the Ice King Linear will offer a smoother and more effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant and thocky sound profile, perfect for those who value a full-bodied audio feedback and a super responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a more subdued sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Aflion Panda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound, the Durock Ice King Linear could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and auditory feedback or smoothness and a subtle sound signature in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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