Aflion Panda vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that cater to different preferences are the Aflion Panda and the SP-Star Polaris Gray. On one hand, the Panda is renowned for its unparalleled tactility and deep "thocky" sound profile. Its super responsive tactile force and sonorous audio feedback set a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a bouncy typing experience and a clean, clacky sound profile. If you prefer a low-pitched, neutral switch with a mild thocky feel, then the Polaris Gray might be the one for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the SP-Star Polaris Gray share similar housing materials, specifically polycarbonate for their top housing. This common material provides both keyboards with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a heightened auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both keyboards.
However, the key difference lies in the housing material for the bottom housing. The Panda utilizes nylon, while the Polaris Gray employs polycarbonate. Typing on the Panda, with its nylon bottom housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition.
This distinction in bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys. When pressing down on a key, you will experience the qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Panda or the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Polaris Gray. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key, which remains consistent in both keyboards due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Aflion Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium level of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the specific actuation force for the Polaris Gray switch is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.
In terms of weight, the lighter option would be the Aflion Panda switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, enabling them to type for longer durations without fatigue. The Panda switch's bottom out force is also lighter, indicating a gentler sensation when pressing all the way down on the key.
On the contrary, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. This heavier force may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing, providing a sense of solidity and feedback with every keystroke.
Although the actuation force for the Polaris Gray switch is not specified, it can be assumed that it falls within a similar range to the Aflion Panda, as both switches are described as having medium levels of feedback. Therefore, if one desires comparable results in terms of actuation force, both switches are likely to deliver a similar typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for the weight and tactile feedback of the keys.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same 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 switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance traveled.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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
The Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile. Typing on a Panda switch provides a super responsive tactile force, making it ideal for those who value hypertactility. The sound it produces is described as resonant, with a clean and sharp profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is preferred by those who prefer a bouncy typing experience. The sound profile of the Polaris Gray switches is clean and clacky, with a low-pitched tone that has a bass-heavy and mellow quality. It is also described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement. While the Panda offers an invigorating typing sensation and an accented feel, the Polaris Gray provides a mild and polished typing experience. In conclusion, the Panda offers a hyper-tactile feel and a resonant sound profile, while the Polaris Gray provides a bouncy typing experience with a low-pitched clacky sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities and are suitable for different preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky audio feedback, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be an excellent choice. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Panda offers a super responsive tactile force and a sonorous sound profile. It is an invigorating switch that provides pronounced feedback and an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is a great option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Polaris Gray offers a neutral sound profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Its mild and polished characteristics provide a gentle and sleek typing experience. Therefore, when deciding between these two switches, consider your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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