Aflion Panda vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Aflion Panda and the KTT Strawberry. The Aflion Panda is well-known for its tactile feedback and distinctive "thocky" sound profile. It offers a hyper-tactile sensation that sets a new standard for those who appreciate heightened tactility and a rich audio experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry draws attention with its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. It boasts a low-pitched sound and a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience. While these general characteristics give us an idea of what to expect from these switches, let's delve deeper into their specifics to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the KTT Strawberry both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This commonality means that both switches will offer a similar sound profile, characterized by sharpness, higher-pitched tones, and crispness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Panda or the Strawberry, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and the ability to incorporate vibrant lighting effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches diverge. The Panda boasts a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. With its relatively softer plastic composition, the nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material. This stiffer plastic brings about a more clear and resonant sound profile. Consequently, the bottom housing of each switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound experience during key presses.
In terms of tactile feedback, the sensations felt when using these switches will also differ. The qualities of the bottom housing material will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel, experienced when pressing down on a key. The nylon bottom housing of the Panda will provide a distinct tactile response, contributing to a more immersive typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material, whether it's polycarbonate in the Panda or the Strawberry, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, the choice between these switches will involve considering the desired tactile feedback and the associated auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Panda is slightly heavier as it has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which are considered medium. On the other hand, the Strawberry is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, also classified as medium.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Strawberry may be the preferred choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods of time, such as those using their keyboards for work or long gaming sessions. The Panda, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial push feel, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger tactile feedback while typing.
It is worth noting that despite the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches fall within the medium force range. This means that regardless of the choice between the Panda and the Strawberry, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, whether it be a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or a heavier feedback for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same result, providing a satisfying tactile or linear feedback depending on the user's preference. Therefore, there is no notable difference between the two switches 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Panda switch offers a resonant profile, providing a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as accented, offering a medium tactile experience that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, it is said to be invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, thereby creating an immersive typing sensation. On the contrary, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This means it provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch ensures a fluid travel and a sleek, refined typing experience due to materials used and possible factory lubrication.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Aflion Panda switch stands out for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, perfect for those who highly value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. While they offer different characteristics, both switches deliver exceptional experiences in their respective qualities.
It's worth mentioning that individual preferences play a crucial role in determining which switch is the best fit. If you enjoy a highly tactile typing experience with a resonant sound, the Aflion Panda switch would be an excellent choice. If you prioritize a smooth, frictionless typing feel and prefer a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, the KTT Strawberry switch would be a great option. Ultimately, it's crucial to try out different switches to find the one that suits your personal preferences and typing style the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a super responsive and hyper-tactile typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the right choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Panda offers an accented and invigorating feel, providing a prominent level of tactility without being overwhelming. Moreover, the resonant sound profile of the Panda adds to the immersive auditory experience while typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched and mellow sound profile, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is the ideal option. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Strawberry offers a variety of descriptors like frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The bass-heavy and mellow tone of the Strawberry switch adds a soothing element to your typing sessions.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch boils down to your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a thocky sound or a smooth and frictionless typing feel with a mellow sound. Both switches provide reliable performance and comfortable typing, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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