Aflion Panda vs. KTT Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the KTT Orange, a linear switch. Starting with the Aflion Panda, it is best known for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and a distinct "thocky" sound profile. This switch offers a super responsive tactile force that is paired with a deep, resonant audio feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch boasts a bouncy typing experience, thanks to its 22mm long spring, and a low-pitched sound profile. With its polycarbonate milky top housing, POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, this switch ensures a slick and frictionless typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Aflion Panda Tactile

KTT Orange Linear

$5.20

$3.56 per 10

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Panda and the KTT Orange both feature polycarbonate top housings, which means they will have similar qualities in terms of sound profile. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing experience. Therefore, both the Panda and the Orange will offer a similar sound profile and visual appeal due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a significant difference between the two switches. The Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the qualities of its top housing - creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in housing materials leads to a distinct bottom-out sound and feel between the two switches.

In summary, while the Aflion Panda and the KTT Orange share similar characteristics in terms of their polycarbonate top housing, they diverge when it comes to the bottom housing. The Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains its sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer a rounder sound or a sharper sound when typing, these differences in housing materials allow for unique experiences when using each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Panda has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Orange's 46 grams. However, both switches fall within the medium range, making it relatively similar in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.

In terms of the bottom out force, the Panda again requires a slightly higher force of 60 grams, while the Orange requires 53 grams. This means that the Panda offers a slightly more substantial typing experience in terms of the force required to fully press the key down.

Considering the weight, it is worth noting that a lighter switch, such as the Orange, may be preferred by some individuals who wish to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Orange allow for a smoother typing experience and reduce the fatigue associated with repeated keystrokes.

On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with heavier forces, such as the Panda. The slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces of the Panda provide a tactile feedback and a sense of resistance, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and deliberate.

In summary, although the Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the KTT Orange linear switch, both switches fall within the medium range. The decision between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Panda offering a more substantial typing experience and the Orange providing a lighter and smoother typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we can see that the Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Panda's 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a moderate amount of depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Orange's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which can appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes, offering a more responsive typing experience. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. In such cases, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance, in this case, the Panda, may provide a more satisfying and hearty depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Panda switch is best described as resonant. When typing on this switch, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The sound profile is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile. These switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It falls under the category of a medium tactile switch. Additionally, it offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy feel due to its spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Pressing the keys on these switches will give you a lively feel and a pleasant rebound. Furthermore, the KTT Orange switch is designed to be frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. It minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid travel.

Taking all the available information into account, the Aflion Panda switch stands out for its unparalleled hyper-tactility, providing a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback with a deep thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a slick, frictionless typing experience with a bouncy feel and a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a switch with hyper-tactility and resonant sound, the Aflion Panda switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a switch with a slick feel, bouncy feedback, and a low-pitched sound, the KTT Orange switch is a great choice. Keep in mind that individual experiences may vary based on factors such as personal typing style, keyboard setup, and keycap selection.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a hyper-tactile sensation, as well as a deep thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be your best choice. With its resonant sound profile and accented, invigorating feel, typing on the Panda switch will provide an immersive auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Orange linear switch is the way to go. The Orange switch offers a slick, frictionless typing experience with its bouncy and frictionless characteristics. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Panda and KTT Orange switches comes down to your preference for either a hyper-tactile, "thocky" experience or a bouncy, frictionless typing sensation.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Panda Tactile

$5.20

$3.56 per 10

Learn more

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more