Aflion Panda vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the Durock White Lotus. The Aflion Panda is known for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and deeply "thocky" sound profile, which sets a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that can enhance your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Durock White Lotus differ in their choice of materials for their top housings. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. While the specific sound characteristics of this blend may not be described, it is safe to assume that it would provide a different acoustic experience compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Panda and the White Lotus opt for nylon as their choice of material. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material and is known to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the typing experience on both switches would elicit similar acoustic qualities, as both nylon bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile. However, it is worth noting that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Aflion Panda and the Durock White Lotus may have different top housing materials, they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that both switches would offer a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. However, the choice of polycarbonate in the Panda's top housing would provide a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the modified PC and UPE blend in the White Lotus would offer a unique premium feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of the desired sound and aesthetic experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, which is an important factor for many users, the Panda is slightly heavier than the White Lotus. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which would provide a medium-level typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Panda and falling into the medium-light category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the White Lotus may be more suitable as it requires less force for actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, allowing for more comfort and less strain on the fingers. However, for those who prefer a sturdier and more substantial typing feel, the Panda's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces may provide a more satisfying experience.
It is important to note that while the forces differ slightly between the two switches, they both fall within the same range of medium to medium-light. Therefore, if someone were to choose either the Aflion Panda or the Durock White Lotus, they can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of their keyboard.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed, which is what you feel when you press down on a key. Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer a similar experience in terms of key press depth. Therefore, if you were to use either of these tactile switches, you can expect comparable results in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feel without any noticeable difference in the depth of key press.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 known for its resonant profile, creating a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various scenarios. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as an accented switch, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It also offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. On the contrary, the Durock White Lotus switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. It offers a gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable, thus reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It falls into the mild category, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance and a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces.
To summarize, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile. It provides a super responsive tactile force and a sonorous audio feedback, setting a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. It also features a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects. While the Panda and White Lotus have different sound profiles and feel characteristics, both switches excel in their respective qualities. If you're looking for similar results, the White Lotus provides a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making it a versatile option suitable for various preferences and scenarios.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a super responsive tactile force and a deep "thocky" sound, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force and accented, invigorating feel, typing on the Panda switches will provide you with a pronounced feedback and an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, if you prefer a resonant sound profile, the Panda switches will deliver a clean and sharp sound that enhances the auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance and is suitable for work and extended typing sessions, then the Durock White Lotus tactile switch would be the better option for you. With its slightly lighter bottom out force and easy-to-press, mild feel, typing on the White Lotus switches will provide a gentle and comfortable typing experience while reducing finger fatigue. Moreover, if you enjoy low-pitched switches with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the White Lotus switches will deliver a tranquil typing experience with a captivating glow from their RGB illumination.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and Durock White Lotus tactile switches depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider the characteristics described for each switch and determine which qualities align with your typing style and desired auditory and tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different needs, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and enhances your overall typing experience.
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