Aflion Panda vs. Jwick Ginger Milk

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Panda and the Jwick Ginger Milk. The Aflion Panda is a tactile switch that is highly regarded for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation. It provides a satisfying and pronounced tactile feedback and produces a "thocky" sound profile, making it a go-to choice for those who value a deeply engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk is a linear switch known for its soft and pastel aesthetics, which reflects the smooth and approachable push feel it offers. This switch produces a muted, snappy sound profile, creating a more subtle and tranquil typing experience. While these general descriptions give you a taste of what each switch offers, let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics so you can make the best-informed decision for your needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Panda Tactile

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.20

$3.56 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Panda and the Jwick Ginger Milk both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. It resonates well and produces a clear sound when keys are pressed. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Thus, both the Panda and Ginger Milk are likely to deliver similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Panda and the Ginger Milk are constructed with nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers a unique sound experience. When typing on switches made with nylon, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, keyboards with nylon bottom housings produce a duller and rounder sound when keys are pressed. Thus, the Panda and Ginger Milk are likely to provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.

It is important to note that when a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material will be split between the two parts. In this case, the Panda and Ginger Milk split the sound-related characteristics between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released or let go. This means that the switches' overall sound profile will be a combination of the unique qualities brought by the polycarbonate and nylon materials in each part respectively.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of responsiveness. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight variation. The Aflion Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Ginger Milk's bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Aflion Panda offers a slightly softer and lighter typing experience when fully pressed down, while the Ginger Milk provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel. This difference in bottom out force can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a specific level of resistance or feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch have different travel distances. The Panda has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Ginger Milk has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Panda's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes. However, some may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Ginger Milk with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Panda with its longer travel distance would be the preferred choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is renowned for its "thocky" and resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a deep and sonorous audio feedback with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a muted and snappy sound profile. It is described as neutral, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. With the Panda, you can expect a resonant and immersive auditory experience, while the Ginger Milk provides a softer, more subdued sound. Although different, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch offers an invigorating and accented typing experience. It provides a moderate to firm actuation force, pronounced feedback, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive tactile sensation that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Using these switches provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Panda offers a hyper-tactile force while the Ginger Milk offers a softer and smoother push feel. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, catering to different preferences and typing styles.

Taking into account all the available information, it is clear that the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation and a resonant, "thocky" sound profile. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and an invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk is soft and pastel, providing a silky smooth push feel and a muted, snappy sound profile. While the Panda focuses on a full-bodied typing experience with hypertactility, the Ginger Milk offers a more approachable and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and desired typing experience. By considering the described qualities and assessing personal preferences, one can make an informed decision on which switch would best suit their needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values a hyper-tactile sensation and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, then the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers an invigorating and accented feel, providing pronounced feedback and a reactive typing sensation. Additionally, the Panda has a resonant sound profile, delivering a clean and sharp sound when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile, then the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be ideal. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Ginger Milk offers a buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke. It has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profiles, so consider your typing style and desired experience when making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Panda Tactile

$5.20

$3.56 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Ginger Milk Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more