Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Blue present unique features and characteristics to consider. The Aflion Panda is a tactile switch that is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize a responsive typing experience with a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch that is known for its distinct clicking sound with each key press. While the Panda is categorized as ['Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant'], the Blue lacks specific categorization. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Blue switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate in the top housing, users can expect similar sound qualities and benefits in terms of sound profile and appearance.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Aflion Panda uses a nylon material while the Outemu Blue also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile created by polycarbonate in the top housing. Despite having different bottom housing materials, both the Panda and the Blue switches will provide users with a similar experience in terms of sound when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the choice of housing material in switches plays a significant role in the resulting sound profile and typing experience. While both the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Blue switches offer unique qualities with their top and bottom housing materials, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while nylon in the bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. By understanding the impact of different housing materials, users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Panda is slightly heavier in terms of the force required to fully press the key. When considering weight, lighter switches are preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Panda would be better suited for someone who prefers a slightly heavier touch, while the Blue would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch or for whom the force required for bottoming out is not a significant factor.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it can be said that both provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. This means that users can expect a consistent feel and performance from both switches in terms of key travel distance. It is worth noting that a 4 mm travel distance is considered to be on the shorter end among mechanical switches, providing a quicker actuation and response time compared to switches with longer travel distances. Ultimately, whether you choose the Panda or the Blue switch, you can expect a similar key travel experience due to their matching travel distances.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers a resonant and thocky typing experience that is characterized by a deep and immersive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch lacks a specific sound description, but is generally known for its loud and clicky typing sound that can be satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Panda offering a more resonant and thocky sound, while the Blue delivers a loud and clicky typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a moderate to firm actuation force with pronounced feedback for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch does not have a specific feel description available. However, based on its clicky nature, it is likely to provide a tactile and responsive typing feel that is complemented by the audible click sound. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Panda focusing on hypertactility and pronounced feedback, while the Blue delivers a tactile feel with the added auditory click feedback.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Panda excels in providing a deep and thocky sound profile alongside an invigorating and accentuated tactile feel, perfect for those who value hyper-tactility and immersive typing sensations. On the other hand, the Blue is known for its loud clicky sound and offers a tactile feedback that is likely to be crisp and responsive. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a resonant and thocky typing experience with pronounced feedback (Panda) or a loud clicky sound with tactile feedback (Blue).
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, you should consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep and resonant "thocky" sound profile, then the Panda switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch that offers a different typing experience, the Outemu Blue switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire.
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