Aflion Panda vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and Haimu Neo White are two popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Aflion Panda is a tactile switch renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, appealing to users who prioritize hyper tactility and robust audio feedback. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White is a linear switch known for its medium weight, reduced total travel, and smooth actuation, providing a unique typing experience with each keystroke. While the Panda offers an accented and invigorating typing experience, the Neo White provides a more mild and neutral feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Haimu Neo White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer properties. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Both switches highlight the aesthetic and acoustical benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings, providing a similar sound profile for users who appreciate a more defined auditory experience.
While both switches share polycarbonate top housings, they differentiate in their bottom housing materials. The Panda and Neo White utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by combining the unique characteristics of both nylon and polycarbonate in their design.
The split between top and bottom housings in switches like the Aflion Panda and Haimu Neo White allows users to experience distinct qualities depending on whether they are pressing down on a key or letting go. The impact of the bottom housing is more notable during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, these switches offer a balanced typing experience that caters to both tactile feedback and sound preferences. Whether it's the sharper tones of polycarbonate or the fuller sound profile of nylon, both housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall feel and sound of these switches.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, which is listed as unknown. However, both switches have a similar medium bottom out force, with the Panda requiring 60 grams and the Neo White requiring 58 grams. The Panda switch may feel slightly heavier when initially pressing the key, while the Neo White might provide a smoother typing experience due to the lack of actuation force information. The choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Panda being better for those who prefer a bit more resistance, and the Neo White being a good option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium level of resistance, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Neo White has a shorter travel distance compared to the Panda. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper keystroke feel, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Neo White's 3.6 mm travel distance is shorter and may appeal to gamers or individuals looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key travel depth, with the Panda providing more depth and the Neo White offering a quicker keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience with a deep thocky echo, setting a new standard for those who value hypertactility and full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can be further influenced by factors such as keyboard build and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a medium tactile sensation that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This switch offers a super responsive tactile force paired with a smooth and satisfying keystroke experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a mild typing experience with a slightly reduced total travel and a remarkably smooth actuation due to the unusual Ly stem. The Neo White switch provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch provides a resonant and tactile experience with a thocky sound profile, while the Neo White switch offers a neutral sound and a smooth, moderate typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound, tactility, and typing experience, both switches can provide an excellent keyboarding experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Panda may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth actuation and a slightly reduced total travel, the Neo White switch might be more suitable. Both switches have medium bottom out forces, but the Panda offers a more accentuated and invigorating tactile feel, while the Neo White provides a mild and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound quality (Panda) or smoothness and a distinctive typing feel (Neo White).
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