Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile, making it a favorite among users who value a strong tactile response and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is known for its clicky sound without any specific standout feature. If you prefer an accented and resonant typing experience, the Aflion Panda may be the way to go. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
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 Outemu Spring Breeze switches both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the nylon material. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. However, the Panda differs in its top housing material, utilizing polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency.
On the other hand, the Spring Breeze features nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more rounded sound profile. While the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon and share similar sound qualities, the top housings provide a noticeable difference in sound profile. The contrasting properties of polycarbonate in the Panda's top housing versus nylon in the Spring Breeze's top housing offer users the option to choose between a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound depending on their preference.
Overall, while the bottom housings of the Aflion Panda and Outemu Spring Breeze switches are similar in material and sound profile, their top housings offer distinct differences in sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Panda creates a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches provide a range of options for users looking to customize their typing experience based on the type of sound profile they prefer. Ultimately, whether opting for the Panda or the Spring Breeze, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, which requires 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda again is slightly heavier at 60 grams, whereas the Spring Breeze bottoms out at 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force. In terms of weight, some may find the Panda to provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Spring Breeze may be favored for longer typing sessions due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offer users options based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience from both switches. This means that users can achieve consistent results in terms of keypress depth regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, the travel distance for both switches is the same, with neither switch being shorter or longer than the other. This allows users to enjoy a comfortable typing experience with either switch option.
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 Spring Breeze 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
Overall, when comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that the Panda provides a unique and highly tactile typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile that resonates with users who appreciate a strong tactile response and immersive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze lacks specific subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, making it difficult to directly compare to the Panda. However, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the ideal switch for each user. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, and experimentation may be necessary to determine which switch best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose Aflion Panda tactile switches or Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switches, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value hyper-tactility, a deep thocky sound profile, and a medium bottom out force, the Panda switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch without specific standout features, the Spring Breeze switches may suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on what typing experience you are looking for and what characteristics are most important to you. Consider your preferences and requirements carefully before making your decision.
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