Aflion Panda vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the KTT Wine Red 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 KTT Wine Red. The Aflion Panda is a tactile switch that is specifically known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and profound "thocky" sound profile. It offers a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is a linear switch that provides a pillowy light typing feel and a deep, rich sound profile. It is loved for its intoxicating experience while typing. Both switches have distinct qualities that cater 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
44g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the KTT Wine Red, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual effects when using either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Panda incorporates nylon while the Wine Red uses polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Panda contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom-out sound and feel of the Panda will be influenced by this nylon housing, giving it a distinct characteristic that sets it apart from the Wine Red.
Moreover, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in switch performance. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when keys are released. Therefore, despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the effects of the different bottom housings on the overall typing experience will create unique nuances between the Aflion Panda and the KTT Wine Red.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Aflion Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams, making the Panda require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Aflion Panda also has a slightly heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Wine Red's 55 grams. This means that the Panda offers a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a slightly greater force to press the keys all the way down.
Considering weight, if a lighter switch is preferred, the Wine Red would be the better choice with its lighter actuation force and bottom out force. This lighter weight can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, providing a more comfortable experience over long periods of use.
On the other hand, if a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Aflion Panda with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a suitable option. The additional force required can provide a satisfying tactile response and feedback during typing.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Panda and KTT Wine Red switches differ slightly, they both fall within the medium range. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, one can choose between a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience with the Aflion Panda or a lighter, more comfortable typing experience with the KTT Wine Red.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, these two switches offer similar results and provide a consistent typing experience.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 tactile switch is well-known for its resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches will give you a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp quality, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a bassy sound profile. When pressing the keys, you can expect a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Wine Red switch has a low-pitched and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda switch is described as accented, indicating that it falls in the range of a "medium tactile" switch. It provides a prominent amount of tactility, neither overwhelming nor subtle. This means that typing on these switches will give you a noticeable tactile feedback without being too intense. The Panda switch is also known for its invigorating feel, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not described in the provided information.
Taking all the available information into account, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile. It offers a super responsive tactile force that sets a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility. The deep and sonorous audio feedback adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, we have the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which is praised for its pillowy light type feel and satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. While specific information about its feel is not provided, it can be inferred that the Wine Red switch prioritizes a smooth linear typing experience.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch with a highly tactile experience and a resonant sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear typing experience with a deep and rich sound, the KTT Wine Red switch would be a suitable option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a highly tactile typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Panda provides a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers an unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and a "thocky" sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a satisfyingly deep sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is a great choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the Wine Red offers a pillowy light typing feel and a rich sound profile. While it is not as tactile as the Panda, its low-pitched and bassy sound can provide a more relaxing and immersive auditory experience.
Ultimately, your decision between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize tactile feedback and a resonant sound profile, the Panda is the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and a deep, bassy sound, the Wine Red will suit you better. Consider your typing style, preferences, and requirements before making your final choice between these two switches.
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