Aflion Panda vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Jupiter Brown mechanical keyboard switches, there are several key differences to consider. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback and audio experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown offers a more traditional keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, blending classic design with innovative features like enhanced backlight effects. While the Panda is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Jupiter Brown is labeled as 'Mild', 'Polished', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Gateron Jupiter Brown both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that creates a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, they may differ in terms of their overall design and aesthetic features.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Panda and the Jupiter Brown utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known to be a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the switches may still offer unique typing experiences based on their overall design and construction.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the typing experience. While both the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Jupiter Brown share similarities in their housing materials, such as the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, differences in their overall design can still lead to distinct typing experiences. Therefore, it is important for users to consider not only the materials used in a switch's housing but also how those materials are integrated into the switch's overall construction to determine which option best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Panda has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Panda is also lighter at 60 grams, while the Jupiter Brown requires a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, but the Jupiter Brown leans more towards the medium-heavy end for bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Aflion Panda, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Gateron Jupiter Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. As a result, you can expect similar tactile feedback and typing experience from both switches. Overall, the travel distance of the Aflion Panda and Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switches is identical, ultimately resulting in a comparable typing experience between the two.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 switch provides a resonant and deep thocky sound profile that can immerse users in a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch's sound characteristics are not explicitly described, so it may not have the same level of full-bodied audio feedback as the Panda. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch offers an invigorating and accented typing experience, characterized by a hyper tactile sensation that is responsive and immersive. On the contrary, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is described as mild, polished, and stepped, providing a gentler and more refined typing feel with a medium tactile feedback. While the Panda switch offers a more pronounced tactile experience, the Jupiter Brown switch caters to those looking for a smoother and more approachable typing sensation.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches each bring unique qualities to the table. The Panda excels in providing a hyper tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile, appealing to users who prioritize tactility and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switch offers a more traditional tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight, alongside a polished and stepped feel that is approachable to a wider range of users. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different subjective qualities. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a hyper-tactile sensation with a "thocky" sound profile, the Panda would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more classic keystroke feel with enhanced softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown would be a great fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force and the type of tactile feedback and sound profile you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
