Aflion Panda vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and Gateron Mountain Top stand out as distinct options catering to different preferences. The Aflion Panda is celebrated for its hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile, setting a new standard for those who prioritize intense tactility and sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet responsive typing experience ideal for professional settings. While the Panda is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Mountain Top is described as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your specific preferences and needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Mountain Top differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the nylon top housing found in the Mountain Top. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound, while nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, the choice between these two materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound characteristics.
On the other hand, both the Panda and the Mountain Top share a nylon bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing material may not be as immediately noticeable as the top housing, it plays a significant role in the overall sound experience of the switches. Therefore, users looking for a consistent sound profile between the two switches may find similarities in the nylon bottom housings.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Mountain Top play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The differences in top housing material, with polycarbonate for the Panda and nylon for the Mountain Top, result in distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, the shared nylon bottom housing material provides a common foundation for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Whether one prefers the sharper and higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for users seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch. The Panda requires 50 grams of force to actuate a key and 60 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Mountain Top only needs 40 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter alternative. Some users may prefer the lighter weight of the Mountain Top for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the more substantial feel of the Panda for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. A 0.6mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Gateron Mountain Top with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Aflion Panda. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 switch provides a resonant and immersive auditory experience with its high-pitched sound profile and deep thocky echo, creating a full-bodied audio feedback that is distinctive and enjoyable for those who appreciate a unique typing sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various environments, particularly in professional settings where a quiet typing experience is preferred. While the Panda switch emphasizes a more pronounced and resonant sound, the Mountain Top switch focuses on a subtle and discreet sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is characterized by its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a hyper-tactile sensation that is engaging and responsive for typists who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, providing a comfortable and light typing feel with a gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Panda switch caters to users seeking a more tactile and invigorating typing experience, while the Mountain Top switch prioritizes a smooth and easy-to-press key feel for effortless typing in professional environments.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and Gateron Mountain Top switches offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch provides a resonant and hyper-tactile typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile, appealing to users who value tactile feedback and a distinctive typing sound. In comparison, the Mountain Top switch delivers a neutral and discreet typing experience with a quiet sound profile and comfortable key feel, making it ideal for office environments that require a subtle yet responsive typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and environments. Additionally, the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and personal typing preference can further influence the overall typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation with a thocky sound profile, the Panda may be the right choice for you, especially if you value a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you require a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience for office environments, the Mountain Top switch would be more suitable, providing a balanced sound signature and comfortably light actuation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a resonant and invigorating feel or a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, or subtle typing experience.考
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