Aflion Panda vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the Cherry MX Brown are two popular options that offer unique experiences. The Aflion Panda is revered for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and profoundly "thocky" sound profile. This switch is a favorite among those who prioritize a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is known for its subtlety. With a relatively light typing experience, gentle tactility, and subdued audio feedback, these switches offer a more textured feel and a low-pitched sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Cherry MX Brown switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the MX Brown features a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, thus creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both the polycarbonate and nylon top housings offer similar advantages when it comes to their translucent nature, making them ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Panda and MX Brown switches employ nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both cases. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the overall sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, regardless of whether it belongs to the Panda or MX Brown.
In summary, the Aflion Panda and Cherry MX Brown switches showcase contrasting housing materials that result in different sound profiles. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the MX Brown's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, contributing to a more substantial sound experience. Despite these differences, it's worth noting that the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the qualities of the bottom housing shape the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Aflion Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cherry MX Brown's 45 grams, making the MX Brown slightly lighter in this aspect. However, both switches fall into the medium force category, providing a satisfying level of feedback when typing.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aflion Panda has a force of 60 grams, while the Cherry MX Brown has a force of 55 grams. This means that the Panda is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out force. This heavier force can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, which may be more suitable for individuals who want a lighter typing experience.
Considering the importance of weight in switches, both the Aflion Panda and Cherry MX Brown offer options that cater to different preferences. For those who prefer a lighter switch to type for extended periods, the MX Brown's lighter actuation force may be more suitable. However, if a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience are desired, the Aflion Panda's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces can provide similar results.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either switch.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 is best known for its resonant and "thocky" sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound. These switches produce a deeper and richer tone during keypresses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda switches are described as accented and invigorating. They provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, resulting in a prominent amount of feedback. These switches also have a moderate to firm actuation force, giving a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety. They offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued feedback. Some users might prefer the smoothness and lack of noticeable friction that these switches provide, while others may prefer a more textured typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Aflion Panda switches prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile. These switches deliver a pronounced feedback with a medium level of tactility. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a more subtle tactile experience with a bassy sound. While both switches provide a tactile typing experience, the Panda switches lean towards a more pronounced and immersive feedback, while the MX Brown switches focus on a light and gentle tactility. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose the switch that suits their typing style and desired sound profile. If a user is aiming for similar results in terms of sound or feel, they can explore options such as using different keycaps or keyboards that can influence these qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Panda may be the better choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams offers a responsive tactile force, paired with a resonant and immersive auditory experience. The Panda can be described as an accented and invigorating switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle typing experience with subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown may be more suitable. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the MX Brown offers a relatively light typing experience with a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. It can be described as a textured switch, providing noticeable friction during key presses.
Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages. Consider your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and the Cherry MX Brown will depend on what you prioritize and value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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