Aflion Panda vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two prominent options come to mind: the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch. The Panda, renowned for its Holy Panda feature, offers an unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and an impressive "thocky" sound profile. With its accentuated and invigorating response, coupled with a resonant audio feedback, it sets a new standard for those who value hypertactility and a sonorous typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers, named after the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, embody speed and efficiency. These linear switches boast a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a satisfying typing feel. Additionally, a creamy sound signature adds to their allure. While these general insights provide an overview of each switch, let's dive deeper to determine which switch aligns best with your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice creates a similar effect in terms of sound profile, with both switches producing sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through effectively. Aesthetically, these switches share the same quality due to their clear housing. Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches results in comparable sound profiles and visual appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Panda and Splash Brothers differ. The Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This can be attributed to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers also utilize a nylon bottom housing, similar to the Panda. Thus, both switches will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to the properties of nylon.
When analyzing the impact of the different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to consider the split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing's qualities become more apparent when you let go of a key, affecting the sound produced at that moment. Therefore, while the top housing material may be the same for both switches, the impact of the bottom housing material will contribute to the unique typing experience offered by each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aflion Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a medium level of resistance to trigger keystrokes, while the Jwick Splash Brothers has an unavailability in terms of actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Aflion Panda requires 60 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers has a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is lighter than the Aflion Panda's bottom out force.
Considering weight, the Aflion Panda provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers. This can be advantageous for those seeking a more substantial push feel and a sense of solidity while typing. However, for individuals who prefer a lighter switch, which enables longer typing sessions without fatigue, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be a suitable choice.
Although the actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unavailable, it is worth noting that the Aflion Panda's actuation force is within a similar range. This suggests that users who are accustomed to the actuation force of the Aflion Panda may expect similar results when using the Splash Brothers, provided that the actuation forces are comparable.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and Jwick Splash Brothers differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, with the Panda being slightly heavier in both aspects. The preference for lighter or heavier switches ultimately depends on individual typing preferences and requirements for extended periods of use.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers 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 Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches offer a satisfying press, the Panda allows for a slightly deeper key press compared to the Splash Brothers. This additional travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. However, for individuals who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired tactile 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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is best known for its resonant profile. Typing on these switches will provide a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is moderate, making it suitable for most purposes and environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you're looking for a similar experience in terms of sound, both switches offer qualities that are approachable and suitable for most users.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as both accented and invigorating. The accented description indicates that the switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the invigorating characteristic implies that the switch has a snappy and reactive feel, delivering an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch has multiple descriptors for its feel. It is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. The mild characteristic suggests that the typing experience with these switches is gentle and approachable to most users. The snappy attribute indicates that these switches are super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs. The bouncy feature provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The subtle aspect implies that these switches have a gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and producing a non-resonant sound suitable for shared spaces. Finally, the polished nature suggests that these switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile. It offers a super responsive tactile force accompanied by a deep thocky echo, setting a new standard for those who value hypertactility and sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch provides a great typing feel with its shorter activation and long pole stem. It offers a creamy sound signature and a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. While they have different sound and feel qualities, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the resonant and invigorating qualities of the Panda or the neutral and versatile characteristics of the Splash Brothers, you can expect similar levels of enjoyment and performance from these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a hyper-tactile sensation, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback and a clean, sharp, resonant sound profile. The Panda switch provides an invigorating and pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear "speed" switch, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be a suitable option. It offers a creamy sound signature and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. The Splash Brothers provide a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel with its shorter activation and long pole stem. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactile experience, sound profile, and typing feel. In the end, both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer unique features and advantages that cater to different typing preferences.
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