Aflion Panda vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences for enthusiasts. The Panda is revered for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, appealing to those who value a strong tactile force and sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch differentiates itself with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. The high-pitched and clacky sound signature of the Vanilla Ice Cream adds to its appeal. While both switches offer distinct characteristics, the Panda leans towards a more tactile and resonant typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a buttery, creamy feel with a high-pitched sound profile. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Panda's nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material provides smooth, clacky, and durable switches with exceptional strength and wear resistance.
In terms of aesthetics, the Aflion Panda's polycarbonate top housing is clear and translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a unique design with its special mixed materials. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, the use of polycarbonate in the Panda creates a more resonant sound, while the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a distinct high-pitched and clacky sound signature.
While the Aflion Panda and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream have different housing materials for their switches, they both offer unique qualities that enhance the typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housing allows for a combination of sharper, crisper sound profiles from the polycarbonate top housing of the Panda and the deeper, fuller sound profile from the nylon bottom housing. Similarly, the smooth, clacky sound and durability of the POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream complements the high-pitched sound signature of its proprietary KTT blend top housing.Despite their differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Panda has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Panda requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 43 grams to actuate and 48 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter switch. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Panda, while those looking for a lighter touch may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream. Both switches provide different levels of typing feedback, with the Panda offering more resistance and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a lighter feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Panda offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Players who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, which can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more robust feel when typing or gaming may lean towards the Panda switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 is deep and full-bodied. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Panda delivering a more immersive and sonorous sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a sharper and crisper tone.
In terms of feel, the Panda switch is described as accented and invigorating, providing a super responsive tactile force and a hyper-tactile sensation. Meanwhile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Panda focusing on a pronounced feedback and tactile sensation, while the Vanilla Ice Cream aims for a seamless and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer different but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep and thocky sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel paired with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Depending on your preference for tactility and sound profile, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and crave a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and seek a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you value most - whether it's the unique tactility and sound of the Panda or the smoothness and acoustics of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
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