Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and Outemu Cream Yellow both offer tactile feedback, but with some key differences. The Panda, with Aflion's take on the Holy Pandas, is renowned for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile. It provides a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied audio feedback, making it perfect for those who value a heightened typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow from Outemu may not have a specific selling point like the Panda, but it still offers a tactile typing experience. If you're looking for a quieter switch without sacrificing tactile feedback, the Cream Yellow might be the way to go. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Cream Yellow, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Panda's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Cream Yellow's top housing is also nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in top housing material will lead to a noticeable contrast in sound profiles between the two switches.
Furthermore, the use of polycarbonate in the Panda's top housing makes it ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. This is a feature that the Cream Yellow does not have, as its nylon top housing does not allow for the same level of light transmission. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Panda's top housing will likely result in a more clear and resonant sound profile compared to the Cream Yellow's softer nylon top housing. These distinctions highlight how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact not only the sound profile of a switch but also its visual appeal and functionality.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact with each other in a switch, it becomes evident that the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing will influence the sound profile when a key is released. This means that the choice of housing materials in a switch can provide a nuanced tactile and auditory experience for the user, showcasing the importance of understanding the role of each component in the overall design of the keyboard switch.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of the pressure needed to press the keys all the way down. However, the Panda has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Panda will require a slightly heavier touch to register keystrokes compared to the Cream Yellow. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice, as it has a lower actuation force. However, for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing, the Panda could be the preferred option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option. The Panda's 4.0 mm travel distance offers a deeper press compared to the Cream Yellow's 3.3 mm travel distance. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the Cream Yellow due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance when typing or gaming.
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 Cream Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience that is immersive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound profile is currently unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard or keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is characterized by an accented and invigorating tactile sensation, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable amount of feedback. This creates a typing experience that is engaging and responsive. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is currently unknown.
Overall, while the Aflion Panda and Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switches may have different sound and feel characteristics based on the provided information, it is important to remember that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for each user. If the sound and feel of the two switches differ, it is advisable to test them out firsthand to see which one aligns better with your personal preferences. Ultimately, both switches are unique in their own right, offering distinct qualities that cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a switch that offers a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda would be the ideal choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, along with its resonant sound and invigorating feel, make it a top contender for those who value a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with a medium bottom out force and are not concerned with a specific sound or feel profile, the Outemu Cream Yellow could be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs.
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