Aflion Panda vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Panda and the Durock Ice King Tactile are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique features. The Panda stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile, setting a new gold standard for those who appreciate strong tactility and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying blend of smoothness and tactility. While the Panda is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', 'Polished'. Both switches provide a different tactile typing experience, catering to different 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
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 housing materials of the Aflion Panda and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profile and feel. The Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. The differences in these materials highlight how the choice of housing can significantly impact the auditory experience of typing on each switch.
Both the Panda and Ice King Tactile switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which further enhances the sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Panda. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches may have similar characteristics, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch ultimately determines the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Panda and Durock Ice King Tactile switches share a nylon bottom housing, their differences in top housing materials, polycarbonate and nylon respectively, result in contrasting sound profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Panda creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile's 58 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes on the Panda. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Panda requires a heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's 68 grams. This means that while the Ice King Tactile may require a bit more effort to initiate a keystroke, it also offers a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. Overall, the Aflion Panda is lighter in actuation force but heavier in bottom out force, while the Durock Ice King Tactile is medium-heavy in both aspects. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or a heavier force for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King, which may provide a bit more of a cushioned feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Ice King offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may result in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is relatively small, so users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and performance.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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 switch offers a resonant and "thocky" sound profile that provides an immersive and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch produces a more subdued sound that is dampened and subtle compared to most switches. Depending on personal preference, the Panda switch may be preferable for those who enjoy a sharper sound profile, while the Ice King Tactile switch may appeal to individuals seeking a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda switch is described as offering an accented and invigorating tactile sensation that provides a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. This switch also boasts a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel for an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a silky and frictionless typing experience with a stepped feel that provides a more mild tactile sensation compared to the Panda switch. Additionally, the Ice King Tactile switch features a polished finish that results in smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep "thocky" sound profile, making it a top choice for those who value hypertactility and a sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch elevates tactile typing to an art form with its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, tactile feel, and overall typing experience. If a smoother, quieter typing experience is desired, the Ice King Tactile may be the preferred choice, whereas those seeking a more tactile and resonant typing experience may opt for the Panda switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a resonant sound profile with an accented and invigorating tactile feel, the Aflion Panda may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a subdued sound profile, and a silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished tactile feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value the most.
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