Aflion Panda vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the TTC Speed Silver. The Panda, a tactile switch, is best known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and profoundly "thocky" sound profile. If you value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, the Panda sets a new gold standard. On the other hand, the Speed Silver, a linear switch, is perfect for those who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience. With a light-medium level of resistance and a reduced travel distance, these switches allow for quick and effortless actuation. The Speed Silver offers a pristine sound profile, making it a solid choice for those seeking a more neutral and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Aflion Panda and TTC Speed Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through. Both switches provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of their bottom housing, the Panda and Speed Silver differ slightly with the use of nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. It is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the Panda's nylon bottom housing offers this experience, the Speed Silver also adopts nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar sound profile.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials become apparent. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Panda and Speed Silver contributes to a dynamic typing experience with varying sound profiles depending on the pressing and releasing of keys.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aflion Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, slightly heavier than the Speed Silver's 45 grams. This means that the Panda requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Speed Silver. Both switches have a medium-level actuation force, providing a satisfying tactile feedback for typists.
In terms of bottom out force, the Panda has a slightly heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Speed Silver's 55 grams. This implies that the Panda switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring a firmer press when fully depressing the key. On the other hand, the Speed Silver offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, allowing for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience.
In summary, the Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Speed Silver linear switch. This makes the Panda switch a choice for those seeking a more robust typing experience, while the Speed Silver may be preferred by individuals looking for a lighter touch and potentially faster keystrokes. Nonetheless, both switches offer medium-level forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have different travel distances. The Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length. On the other hand, the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Speed Silver would be the better option. Gamers, in particular, often favor shorter travel distances. However, some individuals may find that shorter travel distances feel too abrupt. In such cases, the Panda switch with its longer travel distance would provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 known for its resonant profile, providing a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp quality. This creates an immersive auditory experience, especially when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. It has a moderate sound profile and is neither too loud nor too quiet. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being scratchy. This switch also offers an invigorating typing experience with its snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch has a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone and is approachable for most users. Additionally, it is considered polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Panda switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and profound "thocky" sound profile. It offers a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied audio feedback, making it the go-to choice for those who value hypertactility. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver switch is a suitable option. It offers a light-medium level of resistance, reduced travel distance, and a pristine sound profile. While these switches have different qualities, they both provide positive typing experiences. Depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results with either switch. Keep in mind that personal preferences, such as typing style and environment, may also influence your choice of switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a super responsive and hyper-tactile typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile, the Panda switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers an unparalleled tactile sensation that sets a new gold standard. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver switch is the ideal choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. Ultimately, the Panda switch is more resonant in sound, offering a clean and sharp higher-pitched audio experience. Meanwhile, the Speed Silver switch has a neutral sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. When it comes to feel, the Panda switch is accented and invigorating, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Speed Silver switch, on the other hand, offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, consider your preferences for typing sensation, sound profile, and actuation force to make the best decision between these two switches.
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