Aflion Panda vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) are both excellent choices for those seeking a tactile typing experience. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, it boasts a deep and resonant "thocky" sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offers maximum tactility, delivering a sharp and clean clack while typing. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a punchy and highly tactile switch. Both switches have their unique qualities, providing users with a range of options to suit their preferences. However, let's dig deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch is perfect for you.
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) differ in their choice of housing materials. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizes POM for its top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the POM top housing, which elicits a deeper and relatively more muted sound. However, both materials offer unique benefits. Polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for RGB lighting, while POM provides an incredibly pleasing sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Panda incorporates a nylon housing, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) uses POM for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Sunflower switch offers a similar deep sound profile with a relatively more muted tone. Both materials bring their own distinct qualities, with nylon absorbing more sound and POM providing a unique acoustic experience.
If we compare the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch, we find that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. The choice of bottom housing material, whether it is nylon or POM, heavily influences this aspect. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, even though the Aflion Panda and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) have different housing materials for the top and bottom parts, they both offer a well-rounded sound experience that caters to different preferences in terms of pitch, depth, and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Panda switch is 50 grams, while the POM T1's actuation force is currently unavailable. Both switches fall into the medium force category, suggesting a relatively balanced typing experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Panda switch requires 60 grams of force, whereas the POM T1 requires a heavier 67 grams. This makes the POM T1 a slightly heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel.
Considering weight can be important for various reasons. Some users may prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for extended typing sessions without excessive finger fatigue. This feature makes the Aflion Panda an appealing choice for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a stronger push and a more satisfying tactile response might prefer a switch with a heavier force. In this case, the Durock POM T1, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, would likely be a preferable option.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Aflion Panda is lighter, offering a comfortable typing experience for longer durations, the Durock POM T1 is the heavier switch, providing a stronger tactile feedback. However, without the available actuation force for the POM T1, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of actuating a keystroke. Nonetheless, for those seeking similar results in terms of force required, opting for both medium switches should yield comparable experiences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience and feedback provided by these switches will be similar. Whether you choose the Aflion Panda or the Durock POM T1, you can expect a satisfying tactile response with a consistent travel distance of 4 mm.
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 POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) 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
When it comes to sound, both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer a resonant profile that creates an immersive auditory experience. The Panda switch is described as having a deep "thocky" sound profile, providing a sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is also resonant but is also described as having a clean and sharp sound profile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a prominent amount of tactility. The Panda switch is described as being accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. Similarly, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is also accented, providing a medium tactile experience. It has a sharp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress, contributing to its high feedback intensity. The switch is also described as snappy, enhancing the typing experience and responsiveness.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that both the Aflion Panda and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches excel in terms of providing tactile feedback and a resonant sound profile. While the Panda switch is known for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack. If you are looking for maximum tactility in a switch, both options are suitable, but the specific qualities of each switch may appeal more to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a switch with a medium bottom out force, unparalleled tactility, and a deep thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the choice for you. With its hyper-tactile sensation and full-bodied audio feedback, it sets a new gold standard for those who appreciate hypertactility. On the other hand, if you are after maximum tactility and a satisfying clean clack, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the way to go. It offers a sharp tactility and punchy feel when typing, providing a satisfying typing experience. Both switches produce a resonant sound profile, but the POM T1 (Sunflower) also offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Panda offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a sharp and snappy tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing experience.
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