Aflion Panda vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and PH Studio Yoel offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it a top choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback and a rich audio experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch by BSUN provides a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and pronounced. While the Panda is accented, invigorating, and resonant, the Yoel is characterized as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and PH Studio Yoel both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Panda features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Yoel's POM bottom housing produces a more muted sound. This difference in bottom housing material impacts the overall sound experience of each switch.
Despite using the same polycarbonate material for their top housing, the Aflion Panda and PH Studio Yoel have distinct sound profiles due to their differing bottom housing materials. The Panda's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Yoel's POM bottom housing, which creates a unique and deep sound. The split between top and bottom housing allows for different qualities to be experienced when pressing down on the switch versus releasing a key. This showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly influence the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Panda and PH Studio Yoel utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the distinction in their bottom housing materials leads to varying sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Panda provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Yoel creates a more muted tone. Understanding how each housing material impacts the sound profile and typing experience can help users determine which switch is best suited for their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda and PH Studio Yoel will depend on whether a user values a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more unique tone.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has an actuation force of 53 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that users will experience a quicker response time with the Panda switch due to its lighter actuation force, while still having a similar typing experience when fully pressed down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Panda switch more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Yoel switch for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a medium actuation force level, providing a nice balance between sensitivity and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we can see that the Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yoel has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Panda has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Yoel offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Panda being on the longer end and the Yoel on the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it impacts typing or gaming 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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 described as producing a resonant and thocky sound profile, with each keypress emitting a deep and full-bodied audio feedback. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound, offering a satisfying and pronounced resonance upon bottoming out. While the Panda focuses on a rich, low-pitched sound with a tactile emphasis, the Yoel provides a sharper and crisper auditory experience that may appeal to those seeking a more percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda is praised for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still pronounced. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and effortless keystrokes. While the Panda focuses on a tactile sensation that is responsive and invigorating, the Yoel prioritizes a silky smooth feel that enhances the overall typing comfort and ease.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Panda providing a hyper-tactile and thocky sound, and an invigorating tactile feel, while the Yoel delivers a bright and clacky sound, and a creamy and polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance that will enhance your typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and immersive feel with each keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize hypertactility and a resonant sound (Panda) or a creamy feel and clacky sound (Yoel). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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