Aflion Panda vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, one popular choice is the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Poseidon, a linear switch. The Aflion Panda is celebrated for its hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile, making it a top pick for those who prioritize a responsive tactile force and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon offers a different experience with its linear design. While the Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', the Poseidon does not have any specific categories. When choosing between these switches, one may opt for the Panda for its tactile feedback and audio experience, while others may prefer the smoothness of the Poseidon's linear feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
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
stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Jerrzi Poseidon both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Poseidon's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique auditory experience. However, both switches share a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the deep and fuller sound profile common to nylon materials. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users of both switches can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Panda and Poseidon switches differ in material, they each bring unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Panda delivers a crisp and resonant sound upon key release, while the softer nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. On the other hand, the Poseidon's combination of a POM top housing for a muted sound profile and a POM bottom housing for depth creates a distinct typing sensation. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience through the use of specialized housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and the Jerrzi Poseidon may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes sharpness and clarity, while its nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound. In contrast, the Poseidon's POM housings create a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with RGB lighting compatibility or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches offer distinct typing experiences thanks to their specialized housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, we can see a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Panda has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier touch. On the other hand, the Poseidon boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but unfortunately, the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Poseidon may be the better choice, as its lower actuation force allows for faster typing with less fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their switches, the Panda offers a more substantial typing feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch have different travel distances, with the Panda having a travel distance of 4 mm and the Poseidon with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Poseidon has a shorter travel distance compared to the Panda. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Poseidon's 3.4 mm travel distance is shallower, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so users can choose the one that best suits their preferences.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 the sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out with its resonant and thocky characteristics, providing a high-pitched yet full-bodied auditory experience. On the other hand, not much is known about the sound of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, leaving enthusiasts to wonder about its acoustic qualities. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda is praised for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a balance between tactility and smoothness. This makes it ideal for typists who prefer a noticeable yet comfortable typing experience. Conversely, there is no available information on the tactile feel of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, leaving potential users in the dark about its tactile properties.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch excels in both sound and feel departments, providing a unique combination of hyper-tactility and deep thocky sound profile. While the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch may offer a different experience, its lack of information makes it harder to compare to the well-established qualities of the Panda. Ultimately, for those seeking a tactile switch with a distinctive sound and feel, the Aflion Panda is a top contender.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep "thocky" sound and medium actuation force, then the Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with no tactile feedback and a different sound profile, then the Poseidon may be the better option. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and Jerrzi Poseidon switches should align with your personal preferences and typing experience.