Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they both belong to the tactile switch category. The Aflion Panda stands out for its renowned Holy Pandas feature, offering an exceptional hyper-tactile sensation coupled with a deep "thocky" sound profile. This switch is perfect for individuals who prioritize a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown does not have a specific standout feature but is known for its reliability and consistent performance. While the Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', the Brown does not have any specific categorization. If you are looking for a switch that provides an unparalleled tactile experience with a unique sound profile, the Aflion Panda may be the ideal choice. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
The Aflion Panda and Outemu Brown switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. On the other hand, the Nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with Nylon bottom housings.
While both the Aflion Panda and Outemu Brown switches share similarities in their housing materials, such as using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the way these materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches may differ slightly. The top housing material will have a more significant impact on the sound profile when releasing a key, while the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Despite these differences, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches ultimately contributes to a unique typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Panda and Outemu Brown switches plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharp and resonant sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting for added visual appeal. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing deepens the sound profile by absorbing more sound, resulting in a fuller typing experience. While the differences between the top and bottom housing materials may affect certain aspects of the typing experience, both switches offer a unique blend of qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that they both have a medium actuation force. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda is lighter with a bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Brown's heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that while both switches offer a medium actuation force, the Panda provides a lighter typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Panda may be the more suitable option. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Brown switch for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the same as the Outemu Brown tactile switch, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches. Whether you choose the Panda or the Brown switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance they offer.
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 Brown 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 experience with a deep "thocky" sound profile that provides a clean and sharp auditory feedback. This makes typing on the Panda switch not only tactile but also acoustically pleasing, creating an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. With a firm actuation force and reactive feel, typing on the Panda switch provides a satisfying and immersive typing sensation. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is unknown, making it hard to make a direct comparison between the two switches in this regard.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation, deep "thocky" sound profile, and invigorating typing feel. While the sound profile and feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch remain unknown, it is safe to assume that it may provide a similar typing experience to the Aflion Panda switch due to its tactile nature. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will likely come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams that offers a super responsive tactile force and a deep "thocky" sound profile, the Panda would be an excellent choice, particularly if you value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and are seeking a switch known for its medium tactility and moderate actuation force without being overwhelming or subtle, the Brown could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the hyper-tactile sensation and unique sound profile of the Panda or the medium tactility and firm actuation force of the Brown.
Mentioned in this article
