Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Maple Leaf mechanical keyboard switches, both offering a tactile feedback experience, there are some key differences to consider. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those who value a strong tactile force and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf lacks any specific standout features but still provides a satisfying tactile experience. While the Panda is described as accented, invigorating, and resonant, the Maple Leaf does not have any defined categories. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Maple Leaf has a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both housing materials offer different sound profiles, they each have their own distinct advantages.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Panda and the Maple Leaf switches utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. By using nylon for the bottom housing, both switches ensure a consistent sound profile that enhances the typing experience. While the top and bottom housings may be different for each switch, the qualities of each material complement each other to create a well-rounded sound profile.
The choice of housing materials for switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. The differences between polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing of the Panda and Maple Leaf switches showcase how materials can impact the sound profile. Polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound, while nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile. Whether using the Aflion Panda or the Outemu Maple Leaf, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the Panda has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the Maple Leaf needs 65 grams, making the Maple Leaf the heavier option for both. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of force, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a tactile response. Users who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Panda for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Maple Leaf for a more defined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Panda is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.3mm travel distance of the Maple Leaf provides a slightly shallower key press, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different travel distances that cater to varying preferences, with the Panda being slightly longer and the Maple Leaf being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Maple Leaf 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 a clean and sharp sound profile. The deep thocky echo produced by the Panda sets it apart and provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch, so it is difficult to compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches would likely produce a pleasant sound depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its accented tactility, providing a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming yet still satisfying. This switch also offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the tactile feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch, making it challenging to directly compare the two in this regard. Nevertheless, if the Maple Leaf switch falls in the same tactile category as the Panda, users can expect a similar level of satisfaction and responsive feedback.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch excels in both sound and feel aspects, offering a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile and an invigorating typing experience. While specific details about the Outemu Maple Leaf switch are unavailable, it is safe to assume that it would provide a pleasant typing experience as well. Ultimately, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying tactile feedback for those who appreciate a tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you should opt for the Panda if you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation, a "thocky" sound profile, and a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. The Panda sets a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, you should choose the Maple Leaf if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and potentially a different typing experience as there is less information available about this switch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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