Aflion Panda vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Panda is a tactile switch that stands out for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and profoundly "thocky" sound profile. It sets a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon represents what a linear switch can be. With its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemons offer a low-pitched sound, a neutral feel, and a mild tactile response, appealing to those looking for a more subtle typing experience. 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
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches intended to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Panda and the Sea Salt Lemon can deliver similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Panda and the Sea Salt Lemon feature nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is mainly due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both keyboards offer a more muted and round sound when typing on the switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the typing experience on both the Panda and the Sea Salt Lemon is consistent, regardless of the brand.
When it comes to the interaction of the top and bottom housings, both switches showcase a division in the qualities brought by each material. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is primarily influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. Here, the nylon material used in both keyboards contributes to the overall depth and fullness of the sound when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing's impact is more noticeable when releasing a key, affecting the sound that is produced upon key release. While the specific sound profiles may vary slightly due to other factors, the overall influence of the top and bottom housing materials on the sound experience remains comparable between the Aflion Panda and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Panda is slightly heavier as it requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is a bit lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a suitable choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods of time, such as in work or gaming scenarios. The lighter weight allows for increased comfort and reduced finger fatigue over time.
However, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience, the Panda switch may be more appropriate. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect a more tactile and responsive feedback while typing. This added resistance can provide a satisfying typing experience for individuals who prefer a bit more force behind their keystrokes.
Overall, the Panda and Sea Salt Lemon switches offer different weight options to suit different preferences. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a balanced typing experience for most users. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel, both switches provide the necessary force for smooth and reliable typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch with the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both switches offer an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that whether you opt for the Panda or the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect a consistent and satisfying key press that takes you 4 mm down the switch's travel path. Therefore, when it comes to travel distance, you can anticipate similar results from both 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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is best known for its resonant sound profile. When typing on the Panda switch, you can expect a higher-pitched sound that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and has a deep thocky echo. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound. These switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Sea Salt Lemon switch has a neutral sound profile, which makes it suitable for most purposes and users. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda switch is described as having an accented and invigorating feel. It offers a prominent level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The tactile force of the switch is super responsive, providing a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch has a mild feel. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced tactile characteristics. The feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switch is approachable to most users, as it stands in a safe middle-ground zone.
Taking all the available information into account, the Aflion Panda and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Panda switch excels in its hyper-tactile sensation, providing a full-bodied and sonorous audio feedback with a profound thocky sound profile. It offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is praised for its smooth and buttery typing experience. It has a low-pitched sound profile and a mild feel that is approachable to a wide range of users.
If you are looking for an unparalleled, hyper-tactile typing experience with a resonant and thocky sound, the Aflion Panda switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a buttery smooth linear switch with a low-pitched sound and a mild feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound, and feel of each switch. The Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light.
The Panda is best known for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile. If you value a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, the Panda is the switch for you. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design provide a buttery smooth typing experience.
When it comes to sound, the Panda offers a resonant high-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. If you enjoy clean and sharp sound, the Panda is a great choice. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This can create a more relaxed and soothing typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Panda is described as accented and invigorating. It offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. If you enjoy pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, the Panda is the switch for you. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild and approachable typing experience. Its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize hyper-tactility, a deep thocky sound profile, and an invigorating typing experience, the Panda is an excellent choice. If you prefer a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon is the switch for you. Consider your preferences for force, sound, and feel to make the best decision for your needs.
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