Aflion Panda vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Durock Mamba 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 Durock Mamba. The Panda, known for its unparalleled tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, sets a new gold standard for those who value hyper-tactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Mamba, paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, offers a smooth, gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience. While the Panda falls into the categories of being accented, invigorating, and resonant, the Mamba is classified as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. These general pointers give an initial idea of what each switch has to offer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Durock Mamba have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is an excellent choice if you plan on using RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mamba's top housing is a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. While both materials contribute to an enhanced sound experience, the polycarbonate of the Panda produces a sharper tone, while the Mamba's blend provides a more balanced and vibrant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Panda employs a nylon material, bringing forth a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound. Meanwhile, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing, which creates an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted than the Panda. Both bottom housings deliver a distinct sound experience, with the Panda's nylon evoking a deeper tone and the Mamba's POM offering a more subtle sound.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Aflion Panda and the Durock Mamba, they both play essential roles in determining the overall sound profile. The bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, allowing the qualities of the material to shine through. Conversely, the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these distinctions, both switches provide an enhanced typing experience, with the Panda's polycarbonate and nylon combination emphasizing clarity and depth, while the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend and POM bottom housing offer a brighter and more balanced sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the Panda is specified at 50 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Mamba is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing them in the medium force range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Panda may be the better choice as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods of time, such as those who use a keyboard at work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone prefers a more substantial and tactile push feel, they might lean towards the Mamba or other options with heavier actuation forces.
In terms of bottoming out, where the key is pressed all the way down, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that regardless of whether one chooses the Panda or the Mamba, they will achieve similar results in terms of the force required to fully depress a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch will depend on personal preference. Those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may opt for the Panda, while individuals seeking a more forceful push may lean towards the Mamba or other switches with heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Panda has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.5 mm is slightly shallower. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, opting for the Mamba with its shorter travel distance may be preferable. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and might prefer the Panda switch with its longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 switch is best known for its resonant and thocky sound profile. When typing on a Panda switch, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and creates a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a rich and creamy auditory experience. It does not have the same deep thocky sound as the Panda switch, but it still offers a satisfying auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as having an accented and invigorating tactile feel. It offers a pronounced amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The tactile feedback is moderate to firm, creating a snappy and reactive feel. Typing on a Panda switch provides an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch has a mild and polished feel. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The feel is approachable to most as its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda switch excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile. It offers an invigorating tactile feel with pronounced feedback and a snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is great for those looking for a linear switch. It provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. While they have different qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer unique subjective experiences that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a resonant sound and invigorating feel, the Panda switch would be an excellent choice. If you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel, the Mamba switch would be a great option. Both switches provide satisfying results based on their respective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium actuation force that is neither too light nor too heavy. The Panda is best known for its unparalleled tactile force and sonorous audio feedback, making it a top choice for those who value hypertactility. Additionally, its resonant sound profile adds to the immersive typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and gliding typing sensation accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be a great option. With the same bottom out force of 60 grams, the Mamba offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. Its thocky sound when pressed and released adds to the satisfaction of typing. Furthermore, the Mamba has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch depends on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prioritize hyper-tactility and a resonant sound, the Panda is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth gliding sensation and a neutral sound with a touch of thocky, the Mamba is the better choice. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch will provide the optimal typing experience for you.
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