Aflion Panda vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Panda and Dareu Sky V3 offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Panda's hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile make it a top choice for those who appreciate a super responsive tactile force and full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switches from Dareu are renowned for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, striking a balance that appeals to a wide range of typing preferences. While the Panda excels in accentuated tactility and a resonant feel, the Sky V3 focuses on comfort and precision with its subdued sound profile. 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
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Sky V3 differ in their top and bottom housings. Both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Panda's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to produce a rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sky V3 also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience.
While the top housings of the Aflion Panda and Dareu Sky V3 are both made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ with the Panda using nylon. This split between housing materials impacts the typing experience differently. The Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a softer feel and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when keys are pressed down. In contrast, the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing also provides a deep and full sound, making the typing experience more consistent across the keyboard. However, the top housing materials of both keyboards have a more significant impact on the sound when keys are released.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and Dareu Sky V3 play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each keyboard. While both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp and crisp sound, the Panda's nylon bottom housing gives a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing. The split between top and bottom housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each keyboard, with the bottom housing impacting the sound and feel when keys are pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when keys are released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Panda is the heavier option. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Sky V3 has an actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Panda will require slightly more pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the Sky V3. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky V3, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Panda. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Panda providing a slightly heavier touch compared to the lighter feel of the Sky V3.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and Dareu Sky V3 linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the user will experience the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a consistent and equal experience, allowing for similar results in typing or gaming scenarios. Therefore, whether using the Panda tactile switch or the Sky V3 linear switch, users can expect a familiar feel and performance in terms of travel distance.
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 V3 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 V3 for $4.76.
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 tactile switch is known for its resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound, making it suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. Depending on your personal preference, the Panda will deliver a sharp and resonant typing experience, while the Sky V3 will offer a more moderated and versatile sound signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is praised for its accented and invigorating feel, providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a responsive and immersive typing experience. On the contrary, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, suitable for users who prefer a more approachable and moderated tactile feel. With these descriptions in mind, the Panda will give a more pronounced and invigorating typing sensation, while the Sky V3 will offer a gentle and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile, appealing to users who value a full-bodied typing experience with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and mild tactile feel, catering to a wider range of typing preferences with a more versatile and gentle typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so choosing between them will depend on whether you prioritize hyper-tactility and resonant sound or a more neutral sound signature and mild tactile feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, then the Panda switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound signature and a medium-light weight switch that offers comfort and precision, then the Sky V3 switch would be more suitable. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a medium tactile feel with pronounced feedback (Panda) or a more gentle typing experience in a safe, middle-ground zone (Sky V3). Ultimately, the decision rests on what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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