Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch. The Panda is renowned for Aflion's unique take on the Holy Pandas, offering an unmatched hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, "thocky" sound profile. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a satisfying tactile feedback and resonant audio experience. On the other hand, the Milk Blue by Outemu is a clicky switch that delivers a crisp, audible click with each keystroke. While the Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Milk Blue is not specifically categorized. Both switches have their own appeal and reasons why you may want to choose them, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and Outemu Milk Blue both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the sound clarity and resonance of the switches. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer similar benefits due to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Panda and Milk Blue differ in their bottom housing materials. The Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Similarly, the Milk Blue also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on sound depth and fullness.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the Aflion Panda and Outemu Milk Blue share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The Panda's nylon bottom housing creates a distinct sound profile with a focus on depth, while the Milk Blue offers a similar experience with its own nylon bottom housing. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the actuation force is the same for both at 50 grams. However, the Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Panda is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the Milk Blue, which could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's lighter bottom out force or lack thereof may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer different options for users based on their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect consistent results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is ideal for those looking for a standard keypress experience without any significant differences in terms of distance traveled.
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 Milk Blue comes in at $3.10 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 renowned for its resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have a specific sound description available. Both switches will provide a distinctive sound depending on the user's keyboard and keycap choices, but the Panda is likely to offer a deeper and more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Milk Blue.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming yet provides a satisfying amount of feedback. This switch is designed to offer a responsive and immersive typing sensation for users who enjoy a tactile feel. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the specific feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch. However, it can be assumed that this switch will offer a different tactile experience compared to the Panda due to its clicky nature.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch stands out for its hyper-tactile sensation, deep thocky sound profile, and invigorating tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who value tactile feedback and audio feedback in their typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are not detailed, users can expect a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the Panda. Depending on individual preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for users looking for a tactile and clicky switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be the optimal choice for you. The Panda's medium bottom out force of 60 grams ensures a responsive typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a lighter actuation force and a more traditional typing sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value hypertactility and a resonant sound profile, or if you prefer a lighter clicky switch with a different typing experience. Choose wisely based on your typing style and preferences.
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