Aflion Panda vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the Durock Koala both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value a highly responsive typing experience and rich auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Koala strikes a balance between tactile feedback and sound, providing a pronounced bump without being overly loud. While the Panda is more invigorating and resonant, the Koala is polished and has a lower pitch. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a more intense tactile experience or a more subtle one. 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
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Panda and the Durock Koala utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity in the sound of the switch, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the integration of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
On the other hand, the Panda and the Koala feature nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is known for being a softer material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. This can be preferred by those who enjoy a more muted sound while typing, as it reduces the overall noise level of the switch.
While both switches share the same housing materials for the top and bottom, the distribution of qualities between the two may vary. The bottom housing has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in qualities allows for a dynamic typing experience that combines the benefits of both polycarbonate and nylon for a balanced and satisfying feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the Panda requires a lighter touch. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown. However, the Panda's bottom out force is 60 grams, which is lighter than the Koala's 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, with the Koala leaning towards the heavier side. The actuation force plays a significant role in typing comfort and speed, with a lighter force being preferred by those typing for long periods. On the other hand, a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience for those seeking a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and Durock Koala depends on personal preference for typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent travel experience. The similarity in travel distance ensures that typing or gaming with either switch will result in similar tactile feedback and keypress dynamics. Therefore, whether you choose the Panda or the Koala, you can rest assured that the travel distance will be the same, providing a consistent typing or gaming 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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 is known for its resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a high-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala is characterized by a low-pitched and mellow tone, with a moderate and neutral sound profile suitable for various settings. While both switches offer unique sound qualities, the Panda leans towards a sharper and cleaner sound, while the Koala provides a bass-heavy and relaxed tone.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This switch provides pronounced feedback, moderate firmness, and a reactive typing sensation. Conversely, the Durock Koala is known for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel. With a smooth and refined finish, these switches offer reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a mild tactile experience with a noticeable bump in the keystroke.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and Durock Koala switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda excels in providing a resonant and thocky sound profile along with an invigorating tactile feel, catering to those who value hyper-tactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Koala offers a more neutral sound profile with a polished and stepped feel, striking a balance between tactility and smooth key travel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. With these differences in mind, users can select the switch that best suits their needs and typing style to achieve a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize an unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation with a deep "thocky" sound profile, the Aflion Panda switch may be the right choice for you. The Panda switch is best suited for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without spanning the entire keystroke, the Durock Koala switch might be more suitable for you. The Koala switch offers a perfect middle ground for those who want their keystrokes to pack a punch, but not too much, along with a bit of resonance without being overly loud. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize hyper-tactility and a resonant sound profile (Panda) or a stepped tactility with a low-pitched, neutral sound profile (Koala). Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and desired experience.
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