Aflion Panda vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Smoothie are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Panda is well-known for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those who value a pronounced tactile force and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its smoothness and lightweight touch, offering a thocky sound signature at a more affordable price point. While the Panda is categorized as accented, invigorating, and resonant, the Smoothie is described as buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky. These general pointers can help guide your decision, 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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Smoothie differ in terms of their top housing material. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Smoothie uses a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While the Panda's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Smoothie's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In contrast, the housing materials of the Panda and the Smoothie share similarities in their bottom housing material. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This common bottom housing material contributes to the overall typing experience of both switches, highlighting the importance of material choice in determining sound quality and feel.
Overall, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and feel of the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Smoothie switches. While the Panda's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, the Smoothie's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted experience. Conversely, the common use of nylon for the bottom housing of both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound and feel can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when choosing between switches with varying housing compositions.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch with 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. The Panda can provide a more tactile typing experience with a bit more resistance, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Aflion Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Smoothie. This means that the Panda will require a slightly deeper press before actuating compared to the Smoothie. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and should provide a satisfying typing experience for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 offers a resonant and hyper-tactile experience with a deep thocky echo, providing an immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp sound profiles. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound signature, giving a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches offer a pleasing sound profile, with the Panda leaning towards a higher-pitched resonance while the Smoothie has a more subdued and bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch provides an invigorating and hyper-tactile typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This makes it perfect for those who prefer a tactile switch without being overwhelming. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. Despite the differences in tactile feedback, both switches excel in offering a comfortable typing feel, catering to different preferences in tactile experiences.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer unique qualities in both sound and feel. The Panda excels in providing hyper-tactile feedback with a resonant sound profile, while the Smoothie focuses on delivering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a thocky sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound profiles, but rest assured that both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience tailored to specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a highly tactile typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a thocky sound signature, then the Gateron Smoothie linear switch would be a great fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preference for tactility and sound profile. Whether you lean towards hyper-tactility or smoothness, both the Aflion Panda and the Gateron Smoothie offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
