Aflion Panda vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are two options that offer distinct experiences: the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the SP-Star Meteor White, a linear switch. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and deeply resonant "thocky" sound profile. It provides a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied audio feedback, making it a go-to choice for those who value hypertactility. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White offers a more subdued experience. This gentle linear switch is easy to push and produces a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. The type feel and sound profile of the Meteor White are both softly gratifying. While these general pointers can help you make an initial decision, diving deeper into the specifics is important to choose the best switch for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the SP-Star Meteor White differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This allows for a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Meteor White's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials serve their purpose, the Panda's polycarbonate is better suited for achieving a sharper sound, while the Meteor White's nylon offers a richer and fuller audio experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Panda and the Meteor White utilize nylon as their material. Nylon, as mentioned earlier, is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Panda and the Meteor White will provide a similar experience due to the use of nylon in their bottom housings. This means that users can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience, regardless of the specific switch model.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound, it becomes evident that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This is because the bottom housing absorbs and affects the sound produced when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing primarily influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may differ between the two switches, the qualities brought by each material will be more noticeable in their respective areas of impact. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing will enhance the sound when releasing keys, while the Meteor White's nylon top housing will contribute to the overall sound produced when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role. The Aflion Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which fall into the medium range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the SP-Star Meteor White is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light.
Considering weight is vital as it impacts typing experience and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Meteor White since it allows for more extended periods of typing, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Panda, as it requires a stronger push due to its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.
It's important to note that while the Meteor White's actuation force is unknown, it can be inferred that it falls around the medium-light range due to its lower bottom out force. Thus, by choosing either the Aflion Panda or the SP-Star Meteor White, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the Panda being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other; their travel distances are equal.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 tactile switch is best known for its resonant sound profile. Typing on this switch results in a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile that makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or work. However, the Meteor White switch also has a thocky element to its sound, producing a deep and satisfying sound similar to a soft "knock" or "thud" when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as accented. This means that it provides a medium amount of tactility, not overwhelming but still prominent. It offers a pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an invigorating typing sensation for users. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a mild typing experience. It provides a more gentle tactile feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch is designed to be approachable to most users, with its qualities standing in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Meteor White switch is described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch provides a hyper-tactile sensation with a "thocky" sound profile, resonating with a high pitch. It offers a pronounced feedback and an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a gentle linear feel with a pitter-patter sound profile. It has a mild tactile experience and a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Panda switch appealing to those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback, while the Meteor White switch provides a softer and more subdued typing experience. Using either of these switches will result in satisfying results based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize hyper-tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Panda offers an invigorating and immersive typing experience, making it perfect for those who value pronounced feedback and a responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, this switch is easy to push and offers a soft pitter-patter sound profile. Additionally, the Meteor White is described as mild and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactility and sound, with the Panda providing a more intense and resonant experience and the Meteor White offering a gentle and polished typing feel.
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