Aflion Panda vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Panda stands out with its unmatched hyper-tactile sensation and deeply thocky sound profile. It offers a super responsive tactile force and a sonorous audio feedback, making it ideal for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is known for its innovation, striking a balance between a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. It provides a silky smooth typing experience without being overly polished. The Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', while the Semi-Silent Linear falls under 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
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 the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear have similar housing materials, with both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches intended for RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Panda and the Semi-Silent Linear can provide users with similar sound qualities and aesthetic benefits due to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which is a classic material for switch housings. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is attributed to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both the Panda and the Semi-Silent Linear will deliver similar typing experiences with their nylon bottom housings, providing a satisfying and immersive sound as users press down on the keys.
It is important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities brought by each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on these switches, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the bottom housing, which in both cases is nylon. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing, which is polycarbonate for both the Panda and the Semi-Silent Linear. As a result, users can expect a balanced and dynamic sound experience from both switches, with the sound profile varying depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Starting with the actuation force, the Panda requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact force required for the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable. However, both switches fall into the medium force category, indicating a balanced and comfortable typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's bottom out force of 62 grams. This implies that the Panda offers a slightly lighter press when fully depressed compared to the Semi-Silent Linear.
Considering weight, it is worth noting that some individuals prefer lighter switches as they enable longer typing sessions, making them suitable for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, there are users who appreciate a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, and for them, switches with heavier forces are preferable.
Overall, while the specific actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch remains unknown, both switches can provide similar results due to their medium actuation forces. However, the Panda does have a slight advantage in terms of a lighter bottom out force, making it a potentially preferable choice for those seeking a slightly lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Panda falls within the more traditional range of 4.0 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a slightly shallower travel distance. However, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you value quick responsiveness, the shorter 3.7 mm travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, and may prefer the Panda's 4 mm travel distance for a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches should depend on personal preference, with the shorter option offering increased responsiveness and the longer option providing a more hearty depth.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 switch is best known for its resonant sound profile. When typing on this switch, you can expect a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp auditory experience. It provides an immersive typing feedback with a deep thocky echo, making it a popular choice for those who value a sonorous audio experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound. While it is not completely silent, it produces a dampened sound when pressed. It maintains a clacky bottom-out sound while having a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of medium-level tactility. It offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. This switch has a super responsive tactile force, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls into the middle-ground zone, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, it has snappy characteristics due to longer or dual-staged springs, making it feel more alive. It also offers a buttery and polished typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes, reduced friction, and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Panda switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile. It offers a super responsive tactile force and invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its semi-silent characteristics, producing a subdued sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It provides a gentle and approachable typing experience, incorporating snappy qualities and a buttery, polished feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, if you are looking for a similar level of tactility and immersion provided by the Aflion Panda switch, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may not provide an identical experience, but it does offer its own set of qualities that can result in a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a super responsive tactile force and a deep, sonorous audio feedback, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the way to go. It offers an unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and a "thocky" sound profile that is highly sought after. On the other hand, if you prefer a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is the better choice. Its semi-silent label comes from its subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature. In terms of feel, the Panda provides an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. The Semi-Silent Linear, on the other hand, offers a mild and approachable typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch depends on your preference for a hyper-tactile and thocky switch or a semi-silent and subtle switch, as well as the level of feedback and typing experience you desire.
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