Aflion Panda vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Panda and KTT Mallo both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Aflion Panda stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize intense tactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switches are praised for their subtle tactility and neutral sound signature, striking a balance that provides just enough feedback without being overpowering. While the Panda is more accentuated and resonant, the Mallo offers a feathery and subdued 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
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Panda and the KTT Mallo feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this feature, the materials used for their bottom housings differ. The Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Mallo also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and quality.
Although the top housings of the Aflion Panda and the KTT Mallo are made of the same material, polycarbonate, the distinction in their bottom housings offers a slightly different typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, contrasting with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches combine these housing materials to create a balanced typing experience that caters to those looking for a mix of crispness and depth in their keystrokes. The difference in materials between the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing sensation that is unique to each switch.
In summary, the Aflion Panda and the KTT Mallo share similar top housing materials, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound profile ideal for those who value clear and resonant keystrokes. However, the distinction in their bottom housing materials, both being nylon, provides a fuller and deeper typing experience that sets them apart. The combination of these materials in different parts of the switch creates a harmonious balance between sharpness and depth in sound, catering to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who value a varied typing sensation. Whether opting for the Panda or the Mallo, both switches offer a unique sound profile that is a result of their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is clear that the Panda has a lighter actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Mallo which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Panda at 60 grams is heavier than the Mallo's 55 grams. The Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier overall force requirement, while the Mallo offers a lighter actuation force for a smoother typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of force, making them suitable for a variety of users seeking a balance between light and heavy typing experiences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer the same amount of travel distance, allowing for a consistent typing experience on both switches. Users can expect to feel the same distance when pressing down on a key, whether they are using the Panda or the Mallo switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results when typing on either switch, making them both excellent options for those who prefer a 4 mm travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 immersive auditory experience, characterized by a clean and sharp sound profile that resonates with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch presents a more neutral and subdued sound signature, striking a balance between providing feedback and maintaining a versatile typing environment. While the Panda switch veers towards a more pronounced and sonorous sound, the Mallo switch aims for a subtle and gentle auditory experience, making it suitable for various settings.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a notable amount of tactility and a reactive typing sensation. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch offers a feathery and mild typing experience, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue for extended typing sessions. The Mallo switch also introduces the concept of stepped and subtle characteristics, providing users with a unique typing sensation that combines gentle resistance with a light typing feel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and KTT Mallo switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Panda switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, the Mallo switch excels in providing gentle tactility and a neutral sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for typing experience and sound feedback, users can choose between the pronounced and resonant qualities of the Panda switch or the subtle and versatile characteristics of the Mallo switch. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing preferences and offer a unique typing experience based on user needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, "thocky" sound profile, the Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile feedback that is not overpowering, along with a balanced medium-light typing experience and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing style and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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