Aflion Panda vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Aflion Panda and the Zuoce Lavender. The Panda is a tactile switch that is praised for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, setting a new standard for those who value a tactile experience with rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Lavender is a linear switch known for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the Panda offers a heightened tactility and robust audio feedback, the Lavender presents a smoother feel and distinctive clacky sound. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and Zuoce Lavender differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Panda featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Lavender utilizes a POM top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Panda creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Lavender produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Panda gives a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Lavender also contributes to the deeper sound profile with a more muted tone.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Aflion Panda and Zuoce Lavender differ, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound experience. The Panda's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a mix of sharp, higher-pitched sounds from the top housing and deeper, fuller sounds from the bottom housing. Similarly, the Lavender's POM top and bottom housings work together to deliver a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches focus on creating an enjoyable typing experience with distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and Zuoce Lavender comes down to personal preference in sound profiles. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper and sharper sound, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller tone. In comparison, the Lavender's POM top and bottom housings produce a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound or a deeper, more muted tone, both switches offer a range of qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences in typing sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, the Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams, while the Lavender only needs 53 grams, making the Lavender lighter in this aspect. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, but the Lavender is considered medium-light for bottom out force. The difference in force between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Panda providing a slightly more substantial feel compared to the lighter touch of the Lavender. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Panda's travel distance is slightly longer, providing a more traditional key feel compared to the Lavender. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Lavender switch. However, those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may prefer the 4 mm travel distance of the Panda switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keyboard 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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 offers a resonant and thocky experience, creating a deep and immersive auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch provides a clacky sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive, enhancing the overall typing experience with a satisfying sound. Both switches offer distinct audio feedback that adds to the overall feel of typing, with the Panda offering a deeper and more resonant sound compared to the Lavender's sharper and snappier tone.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch provides an invigorating and accentuated tactile experience, with a pronounced level of feedback and a firm actuation force that ensures a responsive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Panda being more pronounced and firm, while the Lavender provides a smoother and lighter actuation.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and Zuoce Lavender switches offer distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Panda provides a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant thocky sound profile, perfect for those who value a full-bodied and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and easy-to-press nature, coupled with a crisp and clacky sound signature that enhances each keystroke. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, regardless of the choice between the Panda and Lavender, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a tactile typing experience with a deep thocky sound, then the Aflion Panda switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Panda provides a hyper-tactile sensation and a resonant sound profile that creates an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and easy-to-press linear switch with a crisp and clacky sound, then the Zuoce Lavender switch would be more suitable for your typing style. The Lavender's light actuation force and proprietary blend offer a satisfying typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the Aflion Panda and Zuoce Lavender switches depends on whether you prioritize hyper-tactility or smoothness in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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