Aflion Panda vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Haimu Viola Tricolor 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Panda is known for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it a go-to choice for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing experience. It strikes a perfect balance with its pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for your individual preferences.
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
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Haimu Viola Tricolor have similar housing materials, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it aesthetically appealing for those who want to customize their keyboard lighting.
In terms of their bottom housings, both switches employ nylon as the housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Aflion Panda or the Haimu Viola Tricolor.
However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a particular switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on these switches, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing material, while the sound when releasing a key will be primarily affected by the top housing material. Understanding this distinction is crucial for keyboard enthusiasts who seek a specific sound profile in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, one notable difference lies in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aflion Panda requires a force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force of the Haimu Viola Tricolor remains unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Panda is 60 grams, whereas the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier. Weight becomes an important factor to consider, as some users may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for a heavier force to enhance their typing experience. Both the Panda and Viola Tricolor fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to obtain similar results in terms of force feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have a traditional travel distance, with the Panda being slightly longer and the Viola Tricolor being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may find the Viola Tricolor more appealing due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial press may opt for the Panda with its slightly longer travel distance. However, it's worth mentioning that the difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches is relatively small and may not be noticeable to all users.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 is best known for its resonant profile. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy sound profile that adds depth and richness to key presses. With a lower frequency range, it resembles the tone of bass notes, creating a thuddy and punchy sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Panda and Viola Tricolor switches fall into the category of accented switches, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. These switches are not hyper-tactile or scratchy but offer a medium level of tactility that many users appreciate. Additionally, both switches are described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. These qualities contribute to an immersive typing sensation that adds excitement and precision to every keystroke.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches have their unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch is best known for its hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile, providing a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch strikes a perfect balance by offering a pronounced tactility without overwhelming the user, accompanied by a thuddy and punchy sound profile. While each switch has its own distinct characteristics, both provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, then the Panda is the switch for you. With its medium bottom out force and "thocky" sound profile, it sets a new gold standard for hypertactility. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that strikes a perfect balance between tactility and subtlety, the Viola Tricolor is the right choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force provides a pronounced tactility without overwhelming the user, while delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. Both switches offer an accented and invigorating feel, providing a satisfying feedback without being scratchy or subtle. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel, as well as your typing style and personal preferences.
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