Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Milk Peach. The Aflion Panda is a tactile switch that is widely recognized for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile. Perfect for those who crave a strong tactile force and rich audio feedback, the Aflion Panda is often described as accented, invigorating, and resonant. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. While it may not have as distinct a feature as the Panda, the Milk Peach is known for its simplicity and reliability, making it a dependable choice for many users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Outemu Milk Peach both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant and customizable illumination. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the unique design and branding of each switch set them apart in the mechanical keyboard market.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Panda and Milk Peach both utilize nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can be experienced while using switches with nylon bottom housings. This difference in bottom housing material adds a distinct touch to the overall typing experience, catering to users with preferences for specific sound profiles and tactile feedback. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to their individual characteristics and performance capabilities.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Aflion Panda and Outemu Milk Peach divides the sound profile and feel of the switches between the top and bottom components. The qualities of each housing material impact different aspects of the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound produced upon key release. This division allows for a nuanced and dynamic typing experience, highlighting the unique properties of each housing material and showcasing the attention to detail in the design of these mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, the Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Milk Peach's 45 grams. However, the Panda also has a heavier bottom out force at 60 grams, whereas the Milk Peach's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier forces, while the Milk Peach provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer different benefits based on individual preferences, with the Panda being on the heavier side and the Milk Peach being on the lighter side of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Panda switch has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper press when typing. On the other hand, the Milk Peach switch has a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer a balance between depth and speed, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Milk Peach 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 renowned for its resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a high-pitched, clean, and sharp auditory experience that is immersive and satisfying. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to compare the two switches in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as being accented and invigorating, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet still offers a satisfying amount of feedback. With a moderate to firm actuation force, the Panda switch delivers a snappy and reactive typing experience that is engaging and enjoyable. The feel of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch is unknown, so it is hard to provide a direct comparison between the two switches in this regard.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation, deep thocky sound profile, and invigorating typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. While the qualities of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch remain unknown, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so trying out both to see which one feels and sounds best to you is recommended for the optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, it's important to consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, the Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bottom out force of None and a different typing experience, the Milk Peach may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value hyper-tactility and a resonant sound profile or a smooth linear feel. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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