Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep, satisfying "thocky" sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness and audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch is characterized by its clicky feedback, providing a more traditional typing experience. While the Panda appeals to users seeking a tactile force and resonant sound, the Dustproof Blue offers a classic clicky feel. 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
65g
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
The Aflion Panda and the Outemu Dustproof Blue both use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for their top housing, they may differ in other aspects such as the design and color options.
On the other hand, the Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Dustproof Blue also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience. The choice of material for the bottom housing can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of the switch, making it an important factor to consider when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Dustproof Blue share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in the material used for their bottom housing. The Panda opts for nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Dustproof Blue also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can influence the overall sound and feel, making it essential for keyboard enthusiasts to consider these factors when choosing the right switch for their needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, we see that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Dustproof Blue, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Panda will provide a slightly lighter typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Panda more comfortable for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue offers a heavier typing experience, which some may find more satisfying in terms of feedback and overall typing feel. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the Panda is lighter when it comes to bottoming out, while the Dustproof Blue is slightly heavier. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and how much force one prefers when typing.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will have a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. The fact that both switches have the same travel distance emphasizes that they are designed to provide a familiar feel for users, ensuring that they can easily transition between different keyboards without having to adjust to a different travel distance.
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 Dustproof 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 immersive auditory experience with its higher-pitched sound profile and clean, sharp tones. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This switch also offers a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. As for the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, there is no information available about its tactile characteristics.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize tactile feedback and a full-bodied audio experience. While the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's qualities are unknown, if you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Aflion Panda, you may expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for typing experience and auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactility and sound. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not mind sacrificing some of the tactile feedback, then the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience you are looking to achieve, whether it be a super responsive and sonorous feel with the Panda or a clicky and immersive auditory experience with the Dustproof Blue.
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