Aflion Panda vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out - the Aflion Panda and the KTT Purple Click. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it a perfect choice for those who prioritize a pronounced tactile force and a sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click offers a satisfying, high-pitched click with light keystrokes and a balanced level of tactility. Both switches fall under the categories of invigorating and resonant, providing an engaging typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
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
1.90 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Panda and the KTT Purple Click utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Aesthetically, these switches will offer similar results in terms of sound quality and visual appeal due to the shared housing material.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Panda and the Purple Click feature nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom-out and the overall feel of pressing down on the key.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on either the Panda or the Purple Click, the properties of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the composition of the housing materials can affect the overall typing experience, even within switches that share the same materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Purple Click's 40 grams. Similarly, the Panda also has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Purple Click's 55 grams. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category, but the Panda leans towards the heavier side while the Purple Click is medium-light.
Considering weight, there are varying preferences among users. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to comfortably type for extended periods of time, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These users tend to opt for switches with heavier forces.
Ultimately, if one is seeking a lighter switch, the KTT Purple Click would be a suitable choice with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. However, for individuals who prefer a more solid and substantial typing experience, the Aflion Panda would be a better option due to its heavier forces. Both switches provide satisfactory results, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they both travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed. Therefore, users can expect similar results and a comparable feel when using these switches.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out with its resonant and thocky sound profile. Typing on this switch will provide a higher-pitched sound that offers an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch also offers a resonant sound profile, but it is described as crunchy. This means that the keystrokes produce a satisfying click similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches provide a clean and sharp sound profile, but the Panda offers a deeper and more sonorous audio feedback. 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 the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch are described as invigorating, offering a pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation for users of both switches. However, the Panda switch is also described as accented, meaning it provides a certain level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet not scratchy. This makes it a medium tactile switch, giving a prominent amount of tactility without being too subtle. The Purple Click switch, on the other hand, is described as stepped, meaning it has a two-stage feel. Users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making it slightly milder in comparison to the Panda switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch provides a deeply thocky sound profile with an immersive auditory experience, while the Purple Click switch offers a satisfying and crunchy click sound. Both switches offer an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive typing sensation. While the exact sound and feel may differ, users can expect similar results in terms of an enjoyable typing experience from both switches. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize an unparalleled tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Panda offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced level of resistance. Additionally, it is described as accented, meaning it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. This switch creates an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced feedback and reactive feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a satisfying high-pitched click and a light keystroke, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would suit your preferences. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a slightly lighter resistance compared to the Panda. The Purple Click also provides an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced feedback and reactive feel. Moreover, it is described as having a stepped feel, meaning it offers a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch will depend on whether you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound (Panda), or a satisfying click and light keystrokes (Purple Click). Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force to make an informed decision and find the switch that best suits your typing style.
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