Aflion Panda vs. KTT MoonRosa
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the KTT MoonRosa switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and KTT MoonRosa stand out from the crowd with their unique features. The Panda is a tactile switch that is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, setting a new standard for those who prioritize tactility and audio feedback. On the other hand, the MoonRosa is a linear switch with an all-POM construction, offering a smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature. While the Panda is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the MoonRosa is described as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preference for tactility and sound quality or a smooth 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the KTT MoonRosa both have distinct housing materials that greatly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the MoonRosa's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. While the Panda's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for those who prefer a clear and resonant sound, the MoonRosa's POM top housing is ideal for those seeking a deeper and more unique sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Panda's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. Similarly, the MoonRosa's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound characteristic. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Panda's nylon bottom housing offering a rounder sound profile while the MoonRosa's POM bottom housing enhances the deeper tones of the switch.
Overall, despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Aflion Panda and the KTT MoonRosa, both switches offer a unique and pleasing sound experience. The split qualities of the housing materials provide a balance between sharper and crisper sounds from the top housing, and deeper and fuller sounds from the bottom housing. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of POM, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience tailored to different sound preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT MoonRosa linear switch. The Panda requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the MoonRosa only needs 37 grams. Additionally, the Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the MoonRosa bottoms out at 45 grams. This means that the Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the MoonRosa provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches have different weight considerations, with the Panda being better suited for those who prefer a heavier feel, and the MoonRosa catering to individuals who enjoy a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT MoonRosa linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the MoonRosa the shorter of the two switches. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while the MoonRosa's 3.5 mm travel distance is shorter and may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches provide different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 resonant and deeply satisfying "thocky" sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience that immerses the user in each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch produces a low-pitched and mellow tone, with a more bass-heavy sound signature that lends itself to a neutral typing atmosphere. Depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup, both switches can deliver a pleasant auditory experience, but the Panda may appeal more to those who enjoy a higher-pitched and distinct sound profile, while the MoonRosa caters to those seeking a quieter and more subdued typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch offers an invigorating and accented tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet still prominent. This switch offers a responsive and immersive typing sensation, with a moderate to firm actuation force that engages the user during each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with gentle resistance and a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. These switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Panda offering a more pronounced tactile feedback and the MoonRosa providing a gentler and smoother typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda is characterized by its resonant and hyper-tactile sensation, along with a "thocky" sound profile that sets a high standard for tactile switches. In contrast, the MoonRosa features a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and mellow sound signature, providing a neutral and comfortable typing atmosphere. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, then the Panda switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and value a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, then the MoonRosa switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound profile (Panda) or typing smoothness and light actuation force (MoonRosa).
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