Aflion Panda vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and Jerrzi Salt Ice offer unique experiences for users seeking a tactile or linear switch, respectively. The Panda is celebrated for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who value intense tactility and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are praised for their bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for a vibrant and responsive typing experience. If you're looking for a switch that offers a satisfying tactile feel, the Panda may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth keystroke with minimal feedback, the Salt Ice could be more your speed. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its stiffness, polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This material is commonly used in clear switch housings for its translucency, allowing for enhanced visual effects. However, the Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches.
In terms of sound profile and feel, the differences between the Aflion Panda and Jerrzi Salt Ice lie in their bottom housing materials. The Panda's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper typing sound, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. When pressing down on the Panda switch, you will feel the impact of the softer nylon bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
While the Aflion Panda and Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housing materials provide distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Panda's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in housing materials impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release. Despite these variations, both switches offer quality sound profiles and aesthetics, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Panda requires a slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Salt Ice's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Panda is also heavier at 60 grams, whereas the Salt Ice's bottom out force information is not available. In terms of weight, the Salt Ice may be considered lighter due to its lower actuation force, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, both switches offer different levels of force that cater to different preferences, ensuring a personalized typing experience for the user.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls in the more traditional range, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter. Gamers, who often value faster response times, may be drawn to the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Panda switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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
The Aflion Panda switch is known for its resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is characterized by exceptionally bright and clacky sounds, offering a vibrant and energetic typing experience. Depending on your preference, the Panda switch provides a clean and sharp sound, while the Salt Ice switch offers a more lively and clacky sound.
As for the feel, the Panda switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying feedback. The Salt Ice switch's feel information is not available, but based on its characteristics of being light and responsive, it may offer a smooth and effortless typing experience. Overall, the Panda switch is best suited for those who value hyper-tactility and a full-bodied typing sensation, while the Salt Ice switch is perfect for users seeking a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch provides a resonant and thocky sound profile with an invigorating and accented tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a hyper-tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch excels in bright and clacky sound characteristics, providing an energetic and responsive typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Panda providing a deep and sonorous sound, and the Salt Ice offering a vibrant and lively typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value hyper-tactility, a deep thocky sound, and a medium bottom out force, then the Panda could be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, a light touch, and a switch with no specified bottom out force, then the Salt Ice may better suit your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and actuation force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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