Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Yellow Silver each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Panda is widely recognized for its exceptional tactility and deep thocky sound profile. With an unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation, it sets a new standard for those who crave a heightened sense of touch and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. This linear switch boasts a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a faster and smoother typing or gaming experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Yellow Silver, namely polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, both have their own unique qualities. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear translucency. This makes it a great choice for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as the transparency allows for better light diffusion. Similarly, the nylon material used for the bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite these similarities, the Panda and Yellow Silver also have some differences in their housing materials. While both have polycarbonate top housings, it is worth noting that the description provided does not indicate any distinct variations in terms of color or finish, suggesting that they may be quite similar in appearance. On the other hand, in terms of the nylon bottom housings, there is no information provided to suggest any differences between the Panda and Yellow Silver. Therefore, it can be assumed that their nylon bottom housings offer the same softness and sound absorption capabilities.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Yellow Silver play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material has more impact on the sound when letting go of a key. In this regard, both switches are likely to deliver similar results, with the polycarbonate top housing providing a sharper sound profile and the nylon bottom housing contributing to a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Panda switch is slightly heavier than the Yellow Silver switch. This can be advantageous for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as it provides a stronger push feel. However, for those who prefer a lighter switch to type for longer periods of time, the Yellow Silver switch is a better choice.
In terms of actuation force, the Panda switch requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Yellow Silver switch requires slightly less at 45 grams. Both switches fall under the medium range, but the Yellow Silver switch has a slightly lighter actuation force. This means that it will require a slightly lighter touch to initiate a keystroke compared to the Panda switch.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Panda switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Yellow Silver switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams. Once again, both switches fall under the medium range, but the Yellow Silver switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force. This means that it requires slightly less force to press the keys all the way down compared to the Panda switch.
Overall, the Panda and Yellow Silver switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. However, the Yellow Silver switch is slightly lighter in both aspects, making it a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Panda switch, though slightly heavier, would be the better option.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance of movement. Both switches provide a satisfying feedback and response, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Panda or the Yellow Silver, you can expect a consistent travel distance that allows for precise and accurate keystrokes.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 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 Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile without any specific emphasis on pitch or resonance. The sound produced by the Yellow Silver switch is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using it at home or work. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers an accented tactile experience. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It falls into the category of "medium tactile" switches, offering a pleasant level of feedback. Additionally, the Panda switch is described as invigorating, providing a snappy and reactive feel with a moderate to firm actuation force. This creates an immersive typing sensation that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, no specific information is available about the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky audio feedback. It offers a resonant sound profile and an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. While specific information about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch is not available, it is favored by those who prefer speediness and responsiveness. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, providing options for different preferences. However, if you are looking for a similar level of tactility and audio feedback as the Panda switch but with a lighter actuation force, the Yellow Silver switch may provide a comparable experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a highly tactile switch with a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium level of resistance. The Panda is known for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation and sonorous audio feedback, making it a top choice for those who prioritize hypertactility and a full-bodied typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a medium-light resistance. The Yellow Silver switch is favored by gamers and typists who seek speediness and responsiveness without compromising on sound. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your specific preferences for tactility, sound, and actuation force.
Mentioned in this article
