Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features for different preferences. The Aflion Panda stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value hypertactility and a sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean does not have a specific standout feature but still provides a tactile typing experience. The Panda can be described as accented, invigorating, resonant, while the Ocean is not categorized. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Outemu Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for their top housing, the Aflion Panda's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile.
Despite their similar polycarbonate top housings, the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Ocean differ in their use of nylon for the bottom housing material. Both switches provide a distinct sound experience due to the properties of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material contributes to the overall typing experience of each switch, with the Aflion Panda offering a fuller sound profile while the Outemu Ocean presents a duller sound. These contrasting qualities in the bottom housing material showcase how manufacturers can achieve unique sound profiles by utilizing different materials for different parts of the switch.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Aflion Panda provides users with a balance of sharp, higher-pitched sounds from the top housing and deep, fuller sounds from the bottom housing. In comparison, the Outemu Ocean offers a cohesive sound profile by incorporating both polycarbonate and nylon materials for its housings. Despite the differences in sound produced by the top and bottom housings, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience. Whether it be the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, the material used in housing significantly impacts the sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Afilion Panda tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean's actuation force of 55 grams, making the Panda slightly easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires a heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Ocean's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Panda provides a more consistent and substantial typing experience throughout the keystroke. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the Panda, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force may lean towards the Ocean, although without knowing the exact bottom out force, it's hard to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Ocean tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you can expect to feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Panda or the Ocean, you will experience a consistent and satisfying travel distance that provides a tactile feedback when typing or gaming. The similarity in travel distance between these switches ensures that you will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and response.
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 Ocean 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 stands out with its resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and immersive auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have any specific sound characteristics mentioned, making it difficult to compare directly in terms of sound quality. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers an invigorating and accented typing experience, characterized by a responsive tactile force that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying amount of feedback. This makes it ideal for typists who appreciate a tactile switch with a balanced level of tactility. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, making it challenging to compare directly with the Aflion Panda.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile, making it a top choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a distinct audio and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks specific information on both sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. If you are looking for a switch with similar characteristics to the Aflion Panda, it would be best to go with a switch known for its hyper-tactile and resonant properties to achieve a similar typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, tactile sensation, and sound profile. If you value a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, unparalleled hyper-tactility, and a deep "thocky" sound profile, the Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force, the Ocean might be worth exploring. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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