Aflion Panda vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Aflion Panda is widely recognized for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, offering a truly immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is renowned for its satisfying sound profile and bouncy feel, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. While both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, they differ in their key characteristics. The Panda is categorized as accented, invigorating, and resonant, whereas the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so that you can decide on the best switch according to your preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature polycarbonate top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on the switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through the switches. Therefore, users of both the Panda and the Tourmaline Blue can expect a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal.
While the top housings are similar, the two switches differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on the Panda switches will produce a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing material. This contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to that of the top housing. Depending on personal preferences, users may favor the different sound profiles generated by the nylon or polycarbonate bottom housings.
In terms of tactile experience, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable when pressing down on the switch and reaching the bottom-out point. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the sound and feel at this moment. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound when letting go of a key. This distinction means that while the sound profiles may be similar due to the shared polycarbonate top housing, the overall typing experience may differ slightly between the Panda and the Tourmaline Blue, depending on the specific qualities of their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Panda is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both falling into the medium range. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Panda would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it ideal for tasks that require extended keyboard usage, such as work or gaming sessions. However, if someone prioritizes a more substantial typing feel and enjoys a stronger push during keystrokes, they may find the Tourmaline Blue more appealing. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a tactile feedback that some keyboard enthusiasts seek for a satisfying typing experience.
While the forces of the two switches differ, it's important to note that both fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. Therefore, regardless of the individual's preference, they can expect similar results when pressing down on either switch, as both falls within a similar threshold of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch depends on the user's personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of their keyboard.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feel and feedback when using either switch.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
The Aflion Panda tactile switch is widely recognized for its distinctive qualities in both sound and feel. When it comes to sound, the Panda offers a resonant profile that delivers a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp resonance. This creates an immersive auditory experience for the user, adding to the overall satisfaction of typing on this switch. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch provides a neutral sound profile. While it may not have the same level of resonance as the Panda, it still offers a moderate sound that is suitable for a variety of purposes. It strikes a balance between actuation force and sound, making it accessible to both beginners and advanced users.
In terms of feel, the Panda provides an accented tactile experience. This means that it offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch delivers a prominent amount of feedback, creating an invigorating and reactive typing sensation. On the contrary, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, where typing feels seamless and effortless. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. It falls into the category of mild switches, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable by most users.
Taking into account the available information, it is clear that the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer different subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Panda excels in providing a resonant and thocky sound profile, accompanied by an accented and invigorating tactile experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch delivers a neutral sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press feel. Both switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. It is important to note that individual factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also impact the sound and feel of the switches. Nonetheless, for those seeking a deep and thocky sound with a hyper-tactile sensation, the Panda is an excellent choice. If a smooth and fluid typing experience with easy key presses is preferred, the Tourmaline Blue switch is a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a distinctive "thocky" sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a responsive tactile force and a deep thocky echo, setting a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches deliver a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in an enjoyable typing experience. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Panda and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches boils down to your preference for a hyper-tactile and "thocky" experience or a satisfying, bouncy feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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