Aflion Panda vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out - the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the TTC Light Cloud V2, a linear switch. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, setting a new standard for those who value intense tactility and robust audio feedback. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 is favored for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a delicate and nuanced typing experience. While the Panda offers a more invigorating and resonant typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 provides a mild, easy-to-press feel with muted 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and TTC Light Cloud V2 both utilize different materials for their housing components, with the Panda featuring a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Light Cloud V2 uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the Panda's mix of polycarbonate and nylon creates a diverse overall typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a transparent look that allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing may not provide the same level of visual impact, but its focus on creating a deep and full sound profile may appeal to users looking for a more subdued typing experience. Despite their differences in appearance and sound characteristics, both switches prioritize the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing feel and auditory feedback for users.
While the Panda and Light Cloud V2 utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are split between the two components. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by the material used, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both components in creating a well-rounded typing experience. Whether using polycarbonate, nylon, or a combination of both, each switch maximizes the unique properties of their housing materials to offer a distinct typing sensation for users.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch both have medium actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for a wide range of users. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Light Cloud V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Light Cloud V2 is lighter in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Panda requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer keypress. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with slight variations in force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, we can see that the Panda has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Light Cloud V2's 3.5 mm. The Panda with its 4 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Light Cloud V2. The shorter travel distance of the Light Cloud V2 at 3.5 mm provides a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed and agility in their keystrokes. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Panda providing a more substantial feel and the Light Cloud V2 offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a deeper key press or a faster response time.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 typing experience that is loud and immersive. The TTC Light Cloud V2 switch, on the other hand, provides a muted and neutral typing sound that is softer and less pronounced. Depending on personal preference, the Panda switch will provide a more attention-grabbing and satisfying typing sound, while the Light Cloud V2 switch will offer a more subtle and quiet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a hyper-tactile and firm typing experience with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch is described as mild, easy-to-press, and feathery, providing a gentle and light typing experience with minimal resistance. The Panda switch will give a more intense and tactile typing feel, while the Light Cloud V2 switch will offer a softer and easier typing sensation.
Overall, the Aflion Panda switch excels in providing a hyper-tactile and resonant typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile, perfect for those who value extreme tactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch stands out for its quiet and refined typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a gentle and nuanced typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize intense tactility and loud sound or gentle typing feel and quiet operation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value hyper-tactility and a deep thocky sound profile, the Panda switch is an excellent choice. Its pronounced feedback and medium actuation force create an immersive typing sensation that is invigorating and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and nuanced typing experience with a softer and quieter sound profile, the Light Cloud V2 linear switch would be more suitable. Its lightweight nature and easy-to-press keys make it a great option for those seeking a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you find most enjoyable.
Mentioned in this article
