Aflion Panda vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch. The Aflion Panda is revered for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, perfect for those who prioritize tactile feedback and sonorous audio. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a quieter typing experience while maintaining a similar feel to the classic MX Red switch. While the Panda is accentuated, invigorating, and resonant, the MX Silent Red is characterized by its muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured qualities. Each switch has its own unique advantages, from the tactile feel of the Panda to the quiet operation of the MX Silent Red. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the Cherry MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Panda switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more crisp typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red produces a deeper and fuller sound, making it a popular choice for users who enjoy a more rounded typing sound. While both materials offer their unique sound profiles, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Aflion Panda and the Cherry MX Silent Red employ nylon for this component. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This softer material contributes to a deeper typing experience on both switches, offering a more muted sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience and sound profile may vary based on other factors such as the keycap material and switch design.
In summary, the Aflion Panda and the Cherry MX Silent Red differ in their choice of materials for the top housing, with the Panda using polycarbonate and the Silent Red utilizing nylon. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, their unique sound profiles cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a distinct typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment of using mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch with 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the MX Silent Red force is unknown. The Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch provides a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. Both switches offer different advantages based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Panda offering a standard 4.0 mm distance and the MX Silent Red providing a slightly shorter 3.7 mm distance. When comparing the two, the Panda switch would be considered the longer option, while the MX Silent Red would be the shorter option. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the MX Silent Red for its faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Panda switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 thocky sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience for those who enjoy a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch produces a muted and low-pitched sound with a thocky quality, creating a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles; however, the Panda provides a more resonant and hyper-tactile auditory feedback compared to the quieter and more subdued sound of the MX Silent Red.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This provides a pronounced feedback and a satisfying typing sensation for users who prefer a tactile switch with a firm actuation force. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, indicating a noticeable friction when pressed. This might appeal to users who enjoy a slight tactile feedback without the hyper-tactility of the Panda switch.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation and a resonant, thocky sound profile, while the MX Silent Red offers a quieter typing experience with a smoother, textured feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the immersive tactility of the Panda or the quieter operation of the MX Silent Red to suit their typing needs. Despite their differences, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your priorities in terms of tactility, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant, full-bodied sound profile, the Aflion Panda is the ideal choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides an invigorating typing experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments without compromising on the satisfying feel of a slightly heftier switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the perfect option. With a silent operation and a muted, thocky sound profile, this switch offers a smooth and textured typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound quality or a quieter, smoother typing experience.
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