Aflion Panda vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the BSUN Olive both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep, "thocky" sound profile, making it ideal for those who value a rich tactile experience and satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Olive switches stand out for their resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback, providing a crisp and sharp bottom-out sensation for users. Both switches are categorized as 'Accented' and 'Invigorating', with the Olive also being described as 'Sharp' and 'Snappy'. While these general descriptions can guide your decision-making process, delving deeper into the specific attributes of each switch will ultimately help you choose the best one for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and Bsun Olive both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Olive's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Panda offering a crisper sound and the Olive providing a richer tone. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Panda allows for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic touch that the Olive may not have.
On the other hand, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing materials. The Panda's nylon bottom housing and the Olive's POM bottom housing both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon and POM plastics absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the top housings of both switches. This similarity in bottom housing materials may lead to a similar typing experience in terms of sound, despite the differences in top housing materials. Users of both switches may appreciate the deeper sound profile created by nylon and POM materials.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on typing experience, the qualities brought by each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities may result in a nuanced typing experience for users of the Panda and Olive switches, where the unique characteristics of each housing material can be felt and heard in different ways throughout the typing process.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that the Panda has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the Olive needs 65 grams, making the Olive the heavier option in this aspect. The Panda falls into the medium category for both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Olive is considered medium-heavy for bottom out force. Despite these differences, both switches offer similar tactile feedback and performance. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Panda may be the preferred choice, whereas the Olive would be more suitable for those who enjoy a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Olive a potential favorite among this group. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Panda for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, your preference for responsiveness versus depth will dictate which switch is the best choice for you. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so it really comes down to personal preference.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Olive tactile switches, it is evident that both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience. The Panda is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a full-bodied audio feedback that is favored by those who appreciate a hyper-tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Olive switches stand out with their resonant and deep sound, achieved through all-POM housings. While the Panda offers a more thocky sound, the Olive provides a clean and sharp resonant sound. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will come down to personal preference, as both switches offer unique and pleasing auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Olive switches offer a similar tactile experience. Both switches are described as accented and invigorating, providing a pronounced amount of tactility that is satisfying during use. Additionally, the Olive switch is noted for its sharp and snappy tactile feedback, ensuring a crisp and reactive typing sensation. The Panda switch, while also accented and invigorating, provides a hyper-tactile typing experience that is more pronounced in terms of feedback intensity. Overall, both switches offer a tangible and immersive typing feel that caters to those who enjoy a tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and Bsun Olive tactile switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda is best suited for those seeking a deep thocky sound profile and a hyper-tactile typing experience, while the Olive is ideal for individuals who prefer a resonant sound and a sharp tactile feedback. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that is immersive and responsive. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback intensity.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep "thocky" sound profile, the Panda may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium bottom out force and unique tactile feedback make it a popular option for those who enjoy a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a resonant, deep sound with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out feel, the Olive switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Its medium-heavy bottom out force and all-POM housing contribute to a satisfying tactile and auditory experience during use. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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