Aflion Panda vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, one can see distinct differences in their design and performance. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it a top choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback and sound quality. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow offers a pronounced tactile bump while maintaining a harmonious balance and a medium weight feel. Additionally, its neutral sound signature showcases Aflion's commitment to innovation. While the Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', the Thunder Shadow falls under 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own unique attributes that cater to different preferences, whether it be a preference for a fuller-bodied tactile experience or a more balanced tactile feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Panda and Thunder Shadow differs in terms of sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings.
While both the Panda and Thunder Shadow share polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, the nylon bottom housings of these two switches offer distinct qualities. The nylon bottom housing of the Panda and Thunder Shadow allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing, due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This creates a different typing experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings, highlighting the impact of housing material on sound and feel. The split between top and bottom housings in these switches showcases how different materials can contribute to the overall typing experience.
In summary, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound output. The difference lies in the nylon bottom housing, with the Panda and Thunder Shadow offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material in switches can significantly impact the typing experience, with different materials providing distinct sound and feel characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that there are some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Panda has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Panda has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier. Both switches are in the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balance between typing comfort and typing feedback. Ultimately, the lighter actuation force of the Panda may be preferred by some for longer typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Thunder Shadow may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Thunder Shadow the shorter option of the two switches. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. Gamers may prefer the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Thunder Shadow for quicker response times, while others may find it too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience with a deep thocky echo, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow provides a neutral sound profile that complements its medium weight feel. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles tailored to different preferences, with the Panda leaning towards a higher-pitched and full-bodied audio feedback, and the Thunder Shadow offering a clean and sharp sound signature.
When it comes to feel, both the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow are described as invigorating switches that offer pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. The Panda is known for its hyper-tactile sensation that sets a new standard for tactility, while the Thunder Shadow strikes a harmonious balance with a pronounced tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out weight. Both switches provide an immersive typing sensation, catering to users who appreciate a tactile typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Panda excels in hyper-tactility and a deep thocky sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow balances tactile feedback with a neutral sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the resonant and full-bodied experience of the Panda or the balanced and immersive feel of the Thunder Shadow. Regardless of choice, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience that showcases Aflion's dedication to innovation and fine-tuned switch design.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches, consider your preference for bottom-out force and sound profile. If you prioritize a medium bottom-out force and a hyper-tactile sensation with a "thocky" sound profile, the Panda switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a more balanced, neutral sound signature with a pronounced tactile bump, the Thunder Shadow switch would be better suited to your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall typing experience you desire.
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