Aflion Panda vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. The Aflion Panda is a tactile switch that is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, setting a new standard for enthusiasts who prioritize tactile feedback and auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch known for its clacky sound signature and smooth typing experience, with a unique light diffuser feature for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Panda offers an invigorating and resonant typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky, high-pitched, and silky smooth feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature, which leads to a more resonant sound. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency enhances the aesthetics of the keyboard. However, while the Panda also has a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing will affect the overall sound profile and feel of typing on each keyboard.
The use of different housing materials in the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 results in contrasting sound characteristics for each keyboard. The Panda's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, which can provide a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing is stiffer, producing a clearer and more resonant sound that may be perceived as crisper and sharper. This difference in bottom housing material highlights the impact that housing materials have on the overall sound and feel of a keyboard.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a mechanical keyboard. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings, the Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a clearer and crisper sound. The choice between different housing materials can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of a keyboard, making it important for enthusiasts to consider their preferences when selecting a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The Panda has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams, but they both have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, making them both medium-weight switches. The Panda provides a slightly heavier typing experience due to its higher actuation force, which some may prefer for a more substantial typing feel. However, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches when compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Panda offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly shorter distance, catering to those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 for its faster feedback, while others may find the Panda more satisfying for its deeper key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key press 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 thocky sound profile, providing a deep and sonorous audio feedback experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that is sharp and bright. Depending on your preference for sound, the Panda provides a richer, immersive auditory experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a crisp and percussive sound that adds a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still pronounced. This results in a tactile typing experience that is responsive and immersive. In comparison, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its silky smooth feel, offering minimal resistance and enhancing the overall typing experience with its seamless actuation. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback, the Panda provides a more tactile and responsive feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a smoother and more seamless typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. If you prefer a hyper-tactile and thocky sound profile with an invigorating tactile feel, the Panda would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance in their respective features, and choosing between the two would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, then the Panda might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel. It's important to try out both switches firsthand to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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