Aflion Panda vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Aflion Panda is highly regarded for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and a profoundly "thocky" sound profile. If you value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, the Aflion Panda should be a top contender for your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out as one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on, thanks to its proprietary material blend. Users often praise the gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature of the Durock Piano. It offers a bassy and frictionless typing experience, characterized by its silky smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Durock Piano differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, resulting in a satisfying and deep sound profile. While specific details of the blend are unknown, it offers a unique audio experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Panda employs a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder overall profile. On the other hand, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, mirroring the properties of its top housing. Although detailed information on the blend is unavailable, it delivers a satisfying and deep sound, complementing the overall switch experience.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Panda and the Piano, their impacts on the switch's sound profile can be discerned when pressing down or releasing a key. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the unique qualities brought by each housing material, users can select the switch that aligns with their desired auditory experience. Whether seeking a crisp and resonant sound (Panda) or a satisfying deep tone (Piano), both switches offer distinctive audio profiles to enhance typing or gaming sessions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Aflion Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is on the lighter side, while its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 60 grams. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch's actuation force is currently unknown, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aflion Panda would be the better choice, as its actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Durock Piano switch provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, giving users a stronger push when pressing the keys.
While the specific actuation force of the Durock Piano switch is unavailable, it is safe to assume that it would be similar to the Aflion Panda if it falls within the medium range. In this case, both switches would yield comparable results, offering a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with weight considerations playing a significant role.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same 4 mm distance of travel. Both switches provide a similar tactile experience for users. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect to get similar results whether you choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Durock Piano linear switch.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switch is well-known for its resonant qualities, providing a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, offering a satisfying thocky echo. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is described as bassy, which means it offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This lower frequency range resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide unique sound experiences, with the Panda offering a resonant thocky sound and the Piano delivering a deep and creamy audio feedback.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda switch is described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. It presents a prominent amount of feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. This invigorating switch offers a pronounced typing sensation, making it immersive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is referred to as frictionless and silky. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch has a fluid travel and enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch provide distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Panda switch stands out for its resonant, thocky sound profile and its accented, invigorating feel. It offers a hyper-tactile sensation and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Piano switch is known for its deep, creamy sound signature with bassy qualities and its frictionless, silky feel. Both switches provide unique experiences, catering to different preferences. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can impact the subjective qualities experienced with each switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a highly tactile switch with a deep, resonant sound profile, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the one for you. It offers an unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation alongside a sonorous, "thocky" audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature, then the Durock Piano linear switch would be a better choice. It provides a gliding push feel and a bassy sound profile that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value the pronounced tactility and resonant sound of the Panda or the smoothness and creamy sound of the Piano. Consider your personal typing preferences and choose the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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