Aflion Panda vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the HMX Swift, a linear switch, offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile, setting a new standard for those who value a tactile force and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Swift from HMX stands out for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, providing a unique typing experience with its 42g actuation force. While the Panda is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Swift is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. Each switch offers unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and HMX Swift both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the switches enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making them ideal for users who prioritize a distinctive sound experience. On the other hand, the Panda features a nylon bottom housing, while the Swift also uses nylon for both top and bottom housings. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches.
In terms of aesthetic appeal, the polycarbonate top housing of the Aflion Panda allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. This feature is not present in the HMX Swift, which uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Despite this difference, both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the characteristics of their respective housing materials. The Panda's blend of polycarbonate and nylon housings creates a balance between a sharp, crisp sound profile and a deeper, fuller sound, while the Swift's consistent use of nylon provides a uniform typing experience throughout.
Overall, while both the Aflion Panda and HMX Swift feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles, they offer similar results in terms of typing experience. The use of nylon in the housing of both switches enhances the sound quality by absorbing more sound and creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Panda and nylon top housing of the Swift contribute to a sharper and crisper sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Swift's lighter actuation force of 42 grams. Similarly, the Panda also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Swift has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier feel compared to the Swift, which is lighter and requires less force to type. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Swift would be the more suitable option, whereas for those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Panda would be ideal. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Panda being slightly longer than the Swift. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Swift for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and 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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 switch offers a resonant and thocky sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience with a deep and rich tone. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive in nature. The choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a deep, resonant sound or a bright, clacky sound for your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as invigorating and accented, providing a super responsive tactile sensation that is not overwhelming yet offers pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is characterized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a light and effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. The decision between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile feel like the Panda or a smoother, lighter feel like the Swift.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a thocky sound profile, appealing to those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Swift offers a smoother, lighter typing experience with a deep sound profile due to its nylon housings and delicate actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile typing experience with a deep thocky sound and medium actuation force, the Aflion Panda would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, silky typing feel with a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you value most.
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