Aflion Panda vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw offer distinct and unique experiences for users. The Aflion Panda is hailed for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it a top choice for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw stands out with its unique material blend, providing a creamy yet lightweight feel out of the box. While the Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', the Keygeek Raw falls under categories like 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle'. Deciding between these switches ultimately depends on your preference for tactile feedback and sound versus a more lightweight and neutral 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing sound. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing offers a different sound profile that is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. Both materials have their strengths, with polycarbonate being stiffer and resonant, while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound.
On the bottom housing side, the Panda utilizes nylon for a more rounded and dull sound profile when typing. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a different typing experience compared to the top housing. In comparison, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing offers an exclusive blend that complements the top housing material. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, highlighting the importance of a well-balanced housing material combination for an optimal typing experience.
Despite their differences, the Aflion Panda and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches both showcase the importance of housing materials in achieving a desired sound profile. While the Panda relies on polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housing, respectively, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a unique blend for each housing component. Both switches demonstrate how the choice of housing material can affect the overall typing experience, with each material bringing its own qualities to the table. Whether it be a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, the housing materials of these switches play a key role in defining their unique characteristics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it is evident that the Panda has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Keygeek Raw with an unknown actuation force. However, the Keygeek Raw has a heavier bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the Panda's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Panda may be the preferable option due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Keygeek Raw with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, we see that the Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Raw has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Keygeek Raw has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Panda. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Panda is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, while the 3.4mm travel distance of the Keygeek Raw is shallower, allowing for faster response times preferred by gamers. Depending on personal preference, one may choose the switch with the shorter travel distance for quicker input or the switch with the longer travel distance for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, catering to various user preferences.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 is known for its resonant and deep "thocky" sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes due to its moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, with the Panda emphasizing a more tactile and resonant experience compared to the Keygeek Raw's neutral and versatile sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming, providing a snappy and reactive typing sensation. In contrast, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch is noted for its textured feel, with noticeable friction when pressed, catering to users who prefer a slightly rougher typing experience. Additionally, the Keygeek Raw switch is also characterized by its mild and subtle typing feel, offering a gentle resistance and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant sound profile, ideal for those seeking a full-bodied typing experience. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch stands out for its unique material blend and creamy yet lightweight feel, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who prefer to lubricate their switches manually. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be your best choice. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides a responsive typing experience that is both invigorating and accented. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique material blend that is delightfully creamy yet unexpectedly lightweight, the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a slightly textured feel right out of the box and a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, the Keygeek Raw offers a more neutral sound profile and a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize hyper-tactility and a pronounced tactile feedback (Aflion Panda) or a creamy feel and moderate sound profile (Keygeek Raw).
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