Aflion Panda vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and PH Studio Milk Tea offer unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it a top choice for those who prioritize tactility and audio feedback. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch boasts a high-pitched yet muted sound, along with a lighter bottom-out force for comfortable typing over long periods. While the Panda is 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Milk Tea is 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences, but 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and PH Studio Milk Tea keyboards both offer unique and distinct housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Panda utilizes a combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a sharp, clear sound when typing. In contrast, the Milk Tea features a POM top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both keyboards aim to provide a pleasing typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
While the Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Milk Tea's POM top housing provides a unique and deeper sound experience. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the Panda keyboard. On the other hand, the POM material used in the Milk Tea's top housing contributes to its more subdued sound profile. Despite these differences, both keyboards strive to offer a satisfying typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Panda's nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Panda keyboard. Conversely, the POM bottom housing in the Milk Tea contributes to its unique sound profile, which is characterized by its deeper and more muted tones. Despite these differences, both keyboards showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces differ significantly. The Panda has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea features a light actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Tea, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Panda. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences, with the Panda being heavier and the Milk Tea being lighter, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. In practical terms, this means that when you press down on a key with the Panda switch, you will feel the switch travel 4 mm from top to bottom, while with the Milk Tea switch, it will travel 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, but the Panda provides a bit more depth compared to the Milk Tea. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial 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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers a deeply resonant and thocky sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp tones, which is well-suited for those who enjoy a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a softer and more subdued auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, but the Panda leans towards a more resonant and immersive sound, while the Milk Tea focuses on a balanced and gentle tone.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, providing a medium tactile sensation with a prominent amount of feedback that is not overpowering, creating an invigorating typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is characterized as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and enhanced key travel for effortless typing sessions. While the Panda offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Milk Tea provides a smoother and more polished typing experience, catering to individuals with different preferences in terms of key feel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant and thocky sound profile, while the Milk Tea offers a balanced and muted auditory experience with a smooth and polished typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and key feel, individuals can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a super responsive tactile force and a deep thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a balance between presence and subtlety in sound, then the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for a hyper-tactile sensation and sonorous audio feedback with the Panda, or a smooth and refined typing experience with the Milk Tea. Make sure to consider your typing needs and sound preferences when choosing between these two switches.
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