Aflion Panda vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Sky POM offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a tactile typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its smoothness, clacky sound, and gentle actuation force, appealing to individuals who prefer a linear switch with a buttery and creamy feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and Dareu Sky POM differ in their choice of housing materials, particularly in their top housing. The Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Sky POM features a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Panda. Despite these differences, both the polycarbonate and POM top housings are known for their translucency, making them ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
On the other hand, the Panda and Sky POM share a common choice of nylon for their bottom housing material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This leads to a more satisfying typing experience for users of both switches, regardless of their differing top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down.
Overall, while the Aflion Panda and Dareu Sky POM showcase differences in their housing materials, they both aim to provide users with a unique and pleasing typing experience. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Sky POM creates a deeper and more muted sound. However, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Panda has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Sky POM has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Sky POM may offer a smoother typing experience due to the lighter actuation force, but the lack of information on bottom out force makes it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of overall typing feel. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky POM, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Panda.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Sky POM the shorter of the two switches. While the 0.2 mm difference may seem negligible, it can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience, especially for those who prefer a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may find the shorter travel distance of the Dareu Sky POM to be more appealing for fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Aflion Panda. 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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 renown for its resonant, hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile. This switch offers a unique auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate a high-pitched and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, clacky sound that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the Panda and Sky POM offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium tactile feedback with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This results in a snappy and reactive typing experience that is immersive and engaging. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. The Sky POM switch offers a luxurious typing sensation that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Panda excels in hyper-tactility and a resonant sound profile, the Sky POM stands out for its smoothness and clacky sound. Both switches provide exceptional typing experiences, catering to different preferences for those seeking either a hyper-tactile, deep sound or a smooth, buttery feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep thocky sound profile, the Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience you desire, whether it be an invigorating tactile feedback with a resonant sound or a buttery smooth keystroke with a low-pitched clack. Consider your personal preferences and typing style when selecting between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
