Aflion Panda vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, Aflion Panda and Everglide Sakura Pink are two popular options that offer unique experiences. The Panda, known for its Holy Pandas feature, provides an unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and a deep "thocky" sound profile. With its accented and invigorating characteristics, it sets a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches stand out for their feather-light 35g actuation force, making them perfect for delicate typists. As the lighter cousin of Everglide Aqua Kings, these switches offer a gliding type feel and frictionless operation, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, their delightful poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adds a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting.
However, while the Panda's bottom housing is made of nylon, the Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate bottom housing. The use of nylon in the Panda switch elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Sakura Pink. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound, complementing the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the qualities brought by the bottom and top housing materials are split between the two switches. Pressing down on the switch will predominantly showcase the qualities of the bottom housing material, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a more significant influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, these differences in housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback between the Aflion Panda and Everglide Sakura Pink switches.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Panda's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. These variations result in contrasting sound profiles and tactile sensations between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Panda switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the Sakura Pink switch requires a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Sakura Pink switch is more sensitive and responsive, requiring less force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Panda switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sakura Pink switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Panda switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required to fully press the key.
Considering the weight of the two switches, some users may prefer the lighter Sakura Pink switch as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for those who need to use their keyboard for extended periods, such as at work or during marathon gaming sessions. In contrast, users who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more tactile typing experience may opt for the Panda switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In summary, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. While the Sakura Pink switch is lighter in both respects, providing a more sensitive and effortless keystroke, the Panda switch offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience with its heavier force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on an individual's personal preference for typing feel and the specific use case they have in mind.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch are equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a similar feeling as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer the same level of tactile feedback and smoothness during keystrokes. So, whether you choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, you can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a 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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 switch is known for its resonant profile, providing a higher-pitched sound that creates an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch produces a muted sound, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience. It's important to note, though, that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch offers an accented medium tactile sensation, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This, combined with an invigorating and reactive feel, creates an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience, offering smooth and fluid keystrokes. It is also easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Sakura Pink switch is further characterized by its frictionless operation, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation, resonant sound, and invigorating feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a light actuation force, easy-to-press feel, and a smooth and effortless typing experience. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Depending on your preferences and typing style, you can achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Panda switch is an excellent choice. Its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile create an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a lightweight switch with a smooth and effortless typing feel, the Sakura Pink switch is a great option. With its light bottom out force and frictionless operation, it provides a gliding type feel and produces a delightful poppy sound. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features and qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prefer a resonant sound with pronounced feedback or a muted and quieter switch, both options cater to different preferences. Consider your typing style and desired sound profile when making your decision. In the end, the choice between the Aflion Panda and Everglide Sakura Pink switches rests in your hands.
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