Aflion Panda vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Aflion Windy Shadow, a linear switch, stand out as popular options. The Panda is celebrated for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep, thocky sound profile, setting a new standard for those who prioritize tactile feedback and audio experience. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out. While the Panda is accentuated and resonant, the Windy Shadow is low-pitched and mild, appealing to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this material for their top housing, they may differ in their bottom housing material.
Both the Panda and the Windy Shadow utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, impacting the overall typing experience. Despite their different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
With the bottom and top housings of the switches being made of different materials, the qualities of each material are split between the two components. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of materials allows for a balanced typing experience that combines the unique properties of both polycarbonate and nylon in the Aflion Panda and Windy Shadow switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we can see a difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Panda has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Windy Shadow which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Windy Shadow has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Panda's 60 grams. This means that the Windy Shadow may require less force to press all the way down, while the Panda may have a slightly heavier feel during a keystroke. Overall, both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balance between a light typing experience for longer periods and a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer it. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the difference in force being a matter of personal preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the travel distance of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch at 3.5 mm. The Panda offers a bit more depth when pressed compared to the Windy Shadow, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it potentially more attractive to gamers or individuals seeking a faster response time. Both switches strike a balance between the traditional and modern preferences for travel distance, offering options for different user preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 offers a resonant and hyper-tactile experience with a deep thocky sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most users and purposes. The choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a higher-pitched, resonant sound like the Panda or a more mellow, bass-heavy tone like the Windy Shadow.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium tactile experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a more approachable and safe typing feel. Whether you prefer a more invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback like the Panda, or a gentler typing experience like the Windy Shadow, your decision would rely on your personal preference in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda provides a hyper-tactile sensation with a resonant, thocky sound profile, while the Windy Shadow offers a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a hyper-tactile typing experience with a resonant sound or a more neutral typing experience with a low-pitched sound. Whether you choose the Panda or the Windy Shadow, you can expect high-quality switches that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you value a super responsive tactile force with a deep thocky sound profile, the Panda switch with its 60g bottom-out force is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring at a lighter 55g bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing environment, whether you enjoy a higher-pitched resonant sound or a low-pitched, mellow tone, and whether you prefer a medium-tactile, invigorating feel or a more mild typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics, and it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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