Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options, the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Red Panda, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Panda is widely recognized for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, paired with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This switch provides a different typing experience, suitable for individuals who prefer a milder, yet still satisfying, tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the ideal switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Red Panda, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This means that they will both exhibit similar qualities in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, as it is a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Red Panda will offer a comparable sound experience and aesthetic appeal due to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the two switches differ as the Panda utilizes nylon while the Red Panda also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that both the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Red Panda will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound. The nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the main contrasting factor between the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Red Panda lies in their top housings. Both switches deliver similar sound profiles and qualities in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. However, the Aflion Panda's polycarbonate top housing may provide a slightly different sound upon key release compared to the Red Panda's nylon top housing. Therefore, depending on the specific nuances desired in the typing experience, individuals may prefer one switch over the other based on the subtle variations brought about by the top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is apparent that they are identical in this aspect. Both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that the same amount of force is required to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, they share a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that the switches have the same level of resistance when fully pressed down.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that both the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Red Panda offer a medium force experience. This means that they provide a balanced feel, catering to individuals who prefer a satisfactory push for a substantial typing experience. They are neither too light nor too heavy, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Red Panda switches share the same actuation force and bottom out force, it is their medium weight that sets them apart. This balance between lighter and heavier forces allows for comfortable and efficient typing experiences, making them suitable options for various use cases. Regardless of whether one chooses the Aflion Panda or the Outemu Red Panda, similar results can be expected due to their shared force specifications.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that they have different lengths. The Panda has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is considered the more traditional length, while the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The longer travel distance of the Panda switch may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda switch is favored by gamers who prioritize fast response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a greater responsiveness or a more pronounced key press.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 is best known for its resonant and thocky profile. Typing on these switches delivers a deeply satisfying audio experience with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Panda providing a more resonant and immersive experience, while the Red Panda delivers a satisfying thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an invigorating typing sensation that is immersive and engaging. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as mild. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone that most users will find approachable in terms of both sound and feel.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Aflion Panda and Outemu Red Panda tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Panda switch is well-regarded for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, offering a truly immersive and sonorous typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch provides a more gentle tactile feel and a satisfying thocky sound. While they may have different characteristics, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience tailored to the user's preferences. Depending on your preference for either a more intense and vivid typing experience or a milder and approachable feel, either switch can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Panda is best known for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile. This switch is perfect for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility and a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, accompanied by a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. If you prefer a switch with a more gentle typing experience and qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, the Red Panda may be the better choice for you. Additionally, for those who seek a more immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile, the Panda switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel, and both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
