Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Purple, another tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, setting a new standard for those who prioritize a responsive tactile force and rich audio feedback. On the other hand, the Purple switch doesn't have a standout feature like the Panda but is still a solid tactile option. While the Panda is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Purple switch doesn't have a specific categorization. Choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you value a unique tactile experience like the Panda or a reliable tactile switch like the Purple. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
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
2.00 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 Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for top housings in mechanical keyboards. However, while both switches share this material for their top housing, the design and structure of each switch may still impact the overall sound and feel.
On the other hand, the Panda and Purple switches differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Panda featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Purple also utilizes nylon but absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing of a switch has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing keys. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches still offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in the Aflion Panda and Outemu Purple switches highlights the importance of housing materials in achieving specific sound profiles. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the difference in bottom housing materials can lead to variations in sound depth and texture. Understanding the role of each housing material in creating the overall typing experience can help mechanical keyboard enthusiasts choose the switch that best fits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have similar actuation forces of 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Panda has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Purple, which has an unknown bottom out force. This difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly more tactile typing experience with the Panda switch. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, making them suitable for users who prefer a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent feedback and feel when typing or gaming with either switch. Having the same travel distance can also contribute to a more standardized typing experience across different keyboard builds. Overall, the Aflion Panda and Outemu Purple switches offer an equal travel distance, providing users with a consistent tactile feel during use.
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 Purple 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 offers a resonant typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, little is known about the sound profile of the Outemu Purple tactile switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its accented and invigorating typing experience, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still provides a pronounced feedback. With a moderate to firm actuation force, the Panda switch delivers a snappy and reactive feel, creating an engaging typing sensation. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the Outemu Purple tactile switch is currently unavailable, making it challenging to provide a comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a hyper-tactile sensation and a thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda switch sets a new standard with its responsive tactile force and sonorous audio feedback. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Purple switch are unknown, it is important to consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps to determine the overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results depending on the setup and personal preferences of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, along with an unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and a deep "thocky" sound profile, the Aflion Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, and are looking for a different typing experience without a defined sound or feel profile, the Outemu Purple may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and typing sensation. Choose wisely based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
