Aflion Panda vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are both excellent options, albeit with some notable differences. The Panda is renowned for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and profoundly "thocky" sound profile. It sets a new gold standard for those who prioritize hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tactile switch that is approachable and easy to use. Its lower actuation and bottom-out force contribute to a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, both switches feature a deep and thocky sound profile, enhancing the enjoyment of each keystroke. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through.
However, the main difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Panda features a nylon bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring incorporates polycarbonate. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. It is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to the sharper and crisper sound profile synonymous with this material.
When using either switch, the qualities of the housing materials will be experienced differently. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This means that the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing will affect the overall typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback. Conversely, the top housing, regardless of whether it is polycarbonate or the same material as the bottom housing, will have more influence on the sound produced when letting go of a key.
In summary, the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring share a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound profile with its sharper and crisper characteristics. However, they differ in terms of the bottom housing material, with the Panda utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring employs polycarbonate for a sharper sound. The choice of housing material for both the top and bottom affects various aspects of the switch's sound profile and tactile feedback, providing users with different typing experiences.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have slightly different actuation and bottom out forces. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Shadow has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches fall into the medium actuation force category, making them suitable for those who prefer a balanced typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom out force, the Panda requires a force of 60 grams, whereas the Shadow requires a lighter force of 55 grams. This means that the Shadow switch provides a slightly lighter and more gentle touch during bottoming out.
Considering weight, the Panda switch might be favored by those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience as it requires a slightly higher actuation and bottom out force compared to the Shadow switch. However, both switches are still relatively close in terms of force required, so the difference may not be significant to some users.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have minor differences in actuation and bottom out forces, they both offer similar results and fall within the medium to medium-light range. The choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and whether one prefers a slightly heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can impact typing or gaming experience. In this case, both switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring similar results in terms of keypress feedback and overall feel.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
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 tactile switch is best known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile. When typing on a Panda switch, you can expect a resonant and immersive auditory experience. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and higher-pitched. The Panda switch offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive typing sensation. It is an excellent choice for those who value hypertactility and full-bodied audio feedback.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. It features a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a very approachable tactility. Like the Panda, the Shadow (Ink) switch also offers a deep and thocky sound profile. However, detailed information about the specific sound characteristics of this switch is unknown. Remember that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Panda switch provides an accented tactile experience. It offers a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This makes it a great choice if you're looking for a "medium tactile" switch. Additionally, the Panda switch offers an invigorating typing feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer different qualities in sound and feel. The Panda switch provides a hyper-tactile sensation and a resonant, thocky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate strong tactility and sonorous audio feedback. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, on the other hand, offers a more approachable tactility and a deep thocky sound profile, though specific information about its sound profile is unknown. Both switches have their unique characteristics, allowing you to choose based on your preferences and typing style. Keep in mind that the sound produced and the feel experienced also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a switch with unparalleled tactility and a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a super responsive tactile force paired with a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium level of tactility and a lower actuation and bottom-out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is highly recommended. It offers a very approachable tactility and features a deep and thocky sound profile. Additionally, if you enjoy an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, the Panda is a great option, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a bouncy and lively feel with rebound when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider your priorities and select the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
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