Aflion Panda vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Panda and the TTC Silent Bluish White are two popular options to consider. The Panda, known for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and profound "thocky" sound profile, sets a new gold standard for those who value a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, providing a precise and comfortable typing experience with its medium tactile feel. What sets it apart is its designed quietness, making it perfect for office or shared living space use. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide which switch would be the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the TTC Silent Bluish White, specifically their polycarbonate top housing, share some notable similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a stiff plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is beneficial for users who desire a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches equipped with RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal. The top housing of both switches exhibits these common qualities, resulting in similar sound profiles and visual effects.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Panda and the Silent Bluish White diverges in material. The Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Bluish White also incorporates nylon as the material of choice for its bottom housing. Nylon, as a softer plastic, differs from polycarbonate in its ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic gives the switches a somewhat duller and rounder sound, which may be preferred by those seeking a quieter typing experience. Despite the same material being used for the bottom housings, the specific design and construction of each switch may lead to slight variations in sound.
When considering the overall experience of typing on these switches, the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the sound and feel of the bottom-out action, responding to the pressure applied while pressing down a key. On the other hand, the top housing is more influential in creating the sound that occurs upon releasing a key. Understanding this distribution of qualities allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the performance and sound characteristics of the Aflion Panda and TTC Silent Bluish White switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aflion Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's lighter 42 grams. This means that typing on the Panda switch will require a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Panda again has a higher force of 60 grams, while the Silent Bluish White requires a lighter 50 grams. This indicates that the Panda switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push required for bottoming out. As a result, individuals who prefer a heavier and more tactile typing feel may opt for the Aflion Panda switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for longer periods of time may find the TTC Silent Bluish White switch more suitable. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces vary between these two switches, offering distinct typing experiences depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that there is a difference between the two. The Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can be noticeable for those who are sensitive to such variations.
If you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Silent Bluish White switch would be the better option. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for their keyboards as it allows for quicker input registration. However, if you value a more substantial and deep feeling when pressing down on a key, the Panda switch with its 4 mm travel distance would be more suitable. The longer travel distance provides a more satisfying tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who appreciate a deeper key press experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. Whether you opt for the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White or the longer travel distance of the Panda, both switches will provide a tactile feedback that enhances the typing or gaming experience.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 profile. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. These switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them perfect for office or shared living spaces. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience. It provides a prominent amount of medium tactility, giving a satisfying level of feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch offers moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with a mild and gentle typing feel. They fall in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable for most users. Additionally, these switches can have a stepped feel, providing a sensation of pre-travel and/or post-travel. The polished finish of these switches further enhances the typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch is characterized by a resonant and thocky sound profile, paired with an invigorating and accentuated tactile feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch provides a muted sound and a buttery smooth keystroke experience, with a mild and stepped feel. While the Panda switch excels in hypertactility and sonorous audio feedback, the Silent Bluish White switch focuses on a precise and comfortable typing experience with minimal noise. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience. However, both switches provide excellent options for those seeking a tactile typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, and don't mind a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer an unparalleled tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch would be more suitable. These switches provide a satisfying level of resistance while remaining quiet, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on your preferences for sound and feel, as well as the environment in which you plan to use the keyboard.
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