Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, with the Outemu Silver, a linear switch, one can immediately notice the stark differences in their characteristics. The Panda, renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, offers a truly unique typing experience for those who value tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silver, with its smooth and consistent linear feel, provides a more straightforward typing experience without the tactile bump. While the Panda is perfect for those seeking an invigorating and resonant typing experience, the Silver may appeal to individuals who prefer a quieter and more linear keypress. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Both the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Silver feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material means that both switches will offer a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housings.
On the other hand, the Panda and the Silver differ in their bottom housing material, with the Panda utilizing a nylon bottom housing and the Silver also using nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound. This difference in the bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Panda possibly offering a softer bottom-out sound compared to the Silver.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch, whether it be polycarbonate or nylon, plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing feel of the switch. The split between the top and bottom housing qualities means that each material will impact different aspects of the typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Silver offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, the actuation force of the Panda is slightly higher at 50 grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the Silver needs 65 grams, making the Silver the heavier switch overall. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force required for actuation and bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Panda for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more robust typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier Silver switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches suggests that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of key press depth. Therefore, whether using the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, users can expect to receive a comparable tactile feedback and key press depth during their typing sessions.
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 Silver 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 offers a resonant and deep "thocky" sound profile that creates an immersive auditory experience, while the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have any known sound descriptors. This means that typing on the Panda switch will provide a unique and full-bodied audio feedback compared to the Silver switch, which may have a more standard sound profile. Keep in mind that various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used can also affect the overall sound produced.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its accentuated and invigorating tactile feedback. This means that users can expect a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, yet still provides a satisfying typing experience. The switch also offers a responsive and reactive feel, enhancing the overall typing sensation. In contrast, there is no known information about the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch. As a result, if you are looking for a switch with pronounced and medium tactile feedback, the Panda switch would be the preferred choice based on available information.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation, deep "thocky" sound profile, and accentuated tactile feedback, making it a top choice for those who value a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have specific descriptors for sound or feel, indicating that it may offer a more standard typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a recognizable tactile and auditory feedback, the Panda switch would be the recommended option. However, if you are unsure about your preference or want a more neutral typing experience, both switches could provide similar results in terms of overall functionality.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a hyper-tactile typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. This switch offers unparalleled tactile sensation and a full-bodied audio feedback that sets a new standard for those who appreciate hypertactility. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not prioritize sound and tactile feedback as much, the Outemu Silver linear switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound profile (Aflion Panda) or prefer a lighter tactile feel and linear action (Outemu Silver). Consider your typing preferences and priorities when selecting between these two switches.
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