Aflion Panda vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Aflion Panda and the Gazzew U4Tx, both of which fall under the tactile category. The Panda is widely recognized for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation, delivering a satisfying tactile force accompanied by a deep and resonant "thocky" sound profile. It is perfect for those seeking a heightened sense of tactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a unique fusion of features, combining the deep and resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. This results in a cleaner and refined sound profile, ensuring a luxurious typing experience with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump. While these generalities provide a glimpse into their characteristics, let's delve deeper into the specific attributes of each switch to help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Gazzew U4Tx differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the U4Tx boasts a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," that delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both materials contribute to creating pleasing sound profiles, they achieve different tonal characteristics.
Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches offer distinct sound qualities. The Panda's nylon bottom housing is a classic choice that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller tone. Conversely, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares the same "boba plastic" composition as its top housing. Consequently, the Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile, in line with its softness.
Despite the differences in housing materials for the top and bottom, both switches prioritize sound quality and offer unique experiences. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel becomes evident. It is worth noting that the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials used in the top and bottom housings may vary, both switches strive to deliver an exceptional sound experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Panda is generally lighter compared to the U4Tx. This lighter weight can be favorable for individuals who prefer a more prolonged typing experience or engage in long gaming sessions. However, those who cherish a more substantial typing feel may opt for switches with heavier forces.
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Gazzew U4Tx is currently unknown, but it possesses a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
Actuation force refers to the amount of force required to activate a keystroke, while bottoming out force measures the force needed to fully depress a key. Although the specifics of the Gazzew U4Tx's actuation force remain unknown, it can be inferred that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation. However, the bottom out force of the Gazzew U4Tx is heftier, potentially providing a more pronounced and substantial typing sensation compared to the Panda.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference. If a lighter typing experience is desired, the Aflion Panda with its medium actuation and bottom out force would be suitable. Conversely, those seeking a heavier and more robust typing feel might lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx with its medium-heavy bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the U4Tx. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered to be more traditional, while 3.6mm is slightly shallower. However, both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the U4Tx with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Panda with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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 unique and highly sought-after experience. It has a resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a bassy sound profile, with a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Additionally, the U4Tx switch is designed to be muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. It's important to note that the actual sound of a switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Panda switch is described as providing an accented feel. This means that it offers a medium level of tactility, providing a noticeable bump without being overwhelming. It is characterized by an invigorating typing sensation, with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch is described as offering a sharp tactile feel. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Panda and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound profile, which is highly valued by enthusiasts who prioritize hypertactility and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch offers a cleaner and refined sound profile, with a bassy tone during key presses and a muted sound overall. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. Therefore, while the two switches have distinct qualities, they offer similarly enjoyable results for users seeking a tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
Firstly, in terms of bottom out force, the Panda has a medium force of 60 grams, while the U4Tx has a slightly heavier medium force of 65 grams. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch, the Panda may be a better choice for you.
In terms of sound, the Panda is known for its resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a bassy sound profile with a deeper and richer tone, along with a quieter and more muted sound compared to regular switches.
When it comes to feel, the Panda is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, providing an immersive typing sensation. The U4Tx, however, is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity with each keypress.
Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. Both switches offer unique features and benefits, catering to different typing experiences. Consider what is most important to you in a keyboard switch and make your decision accordingly.
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