Aflion Panda vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Red, a linear switch. The Aflion Panda is celebrated for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation, making it the go-to choice for those who value hypertactility. Its deep thocky sound profile adds to the overall experience, creating a satisfying audio feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red offers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise. With a muted sound profile, these switches are perfect for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switch provides a consistent feel from top to bottom, ensuring a comfortable typing experience with its padded bottom-out feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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 Red have several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing shared between the two switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
However, one key difference lies in the specific qualities each housing material brings to the switch. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing, due to its stiffness, produces a more clear and resonant sound profile when the key is released. On the other hand, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing is likely to have similar effects. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing for creating a distinct sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing material is more influential. The Panda's nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing provides a similar effect. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound and results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience.
In summary, the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and TTC Silent Red share many similarities, particularly in their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the properties of these materials, creating distinct sound profiles and enhancing the typing experience. The differences lie in the specific effects each housing material has on the sound when the key is released and the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, users can expect similar results with these switches, but the specific details may vary slightly.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Silent Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. However, the Silent Red has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, giving it a medium-heavy weight. Despite the differences, both switches fall within a similar weight range, ensuring that users can expect comparable results. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Red, while individuals who desire a stronger push feel may opt for the Panda. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding the actuation and bottom out forces, with considerations for typing duration and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Panda's travel distance falls within the traditional range, making it a safe choice for those who prefer a standard feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers who desire faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quick key presses and can enhance the gaming experience. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt. In contrast, the Panda's longer travel distance provides a deeper and more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 offers a resonant experience that is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, giving it a distinct thocky echo. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red provides a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. These switches are ideal for environments where noise needs to be minimized, such as offices or shared living spaces. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda has an accented and invigorating sensation. The tactile feedback is prominent, providing a significant amount of tactility without being overwhelming. With a moderate to firm actuation force, these switches offer a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing experience. On the contrary, the TTC Silent Red is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation with a consistent feel from top to bottom. The padded bottom-out feel adds to the overall comfort while typing. Additionally, these switches are considered mild, providing a more gentle typing experience for those who prefer a less pronounced tactile feedback. The polished finish of the switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In summary, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a distinct and immersive typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a smooth, seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it more suitable for quiet environments. Both switches provide their own unique qualities and can greatly enhance the typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences and the specific requirements of the environment when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a profound "thocky" sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. With its unparalleled responsiveness and deep sonorous audio feedback, this switch sets a new gold standard for those who appreciate hypertactility. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is perfect. Its muted sound profile makes it suitable for office or shared living spaces, while the smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom ensures maximum comfort. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel. If you prioritize a resonant and invigorating typing experience, go for the Panda. If you prefer a buttery, mild, and polished feel, the Silent Red is the way to go.
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