Aflion Panda vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it a top choice for individuals who prioritize a responsive tactile force and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is favored for its medium tactility, light touch, and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option suited for those looking for a well-balanced typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different users, it's important to delve deeper into their individual attributes to determine which one best suits your needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, creating a similarly sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for each switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches with RGB lighting capabilities. Despite being different brands, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a consistent sound experience with a focus on clarity and brightness.
On the other hand, the Panda and the Violet Gold Pro diverge in terms of their bottom housings, with the Panda utilizing a nylon bottom housing while the Violet Gold Pro also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a more subdued and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a quieter bottom-out sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Panda and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro differ, each housing material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a nuanced sound profile, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, users can expect a consistent level of sound quality and tactile feedback from both switches, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the housing materials used.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 45 grams. However, it is notable that the bottom out force of the Panda is also heavier at 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. This means that the Panda switch offers a more substantial typing experience with both higher actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Violet Gold Pro may be the better option. In terms of weight, the Panda is slightly heavier, which may be preferred by users looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Panda. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Panda being on the longer side and the Violet Gold Pro being slightly shorter. If you are looking for a faster response time, the Violet Gold Pro may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press with more depth, the Panda with its slightly longer travel distance could be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and what feels more comfortable to individual 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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 tactile switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The difference in sound between the two switches is significant, with the Panda offering a deep thocky echo while the Violet Gold Pro provides a more balanced and quiet typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Panda is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying tactile sensation. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has a stepped feel, providing a more subtle and gentle tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant and thocky sound profile, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter touch and a more neutral sound signature for a balanced typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. If you prefer a more immersive and resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, the Aflion Panda would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and balanced tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Panda tactile switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, the Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a balanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro may be more suitable. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to weigh these factors to make an informed decision.
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