Aflion Panda vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Panda and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, you have two distinct options to consider. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and "thocky" sound profile, setting a new standard for those who prioritize tactile feedback and a rich audio experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches offer a silent tactile experience, making them perfect for office environments where noise reduction is essential. They provide a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback without causing fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. In general, the Panda excels in hypersensitivity and sound resonance, while the Penguin stands out for its quiet operation and balance between responsiveness and ease of use. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Akko Penguin both use different materials for their housing components. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer and sound-absorbing properties. This contrast in materials results in distinct auditory experiences for users, with the Panda offering a clearer and resonant sound, and the Penguin providing a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Panda and the Penguin opt for a nylon material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The similarities in bottom housing material between the two switches suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to bottom-out actions. This shared characteristic may appeal to those seeking a specific sound profile commonly associated with nylon housing.
Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the differences between the polycarbonate top housing of the Panda and the nylon top housing of the Penguin are notable. The contrasting properties of these materials impact the sound profiles produced by each switch, with the polycarbonate housing of the Panda delivering a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon housing of the Penguin results in a deeper and fuller sound. These variations in housing materials showcase how different plastics can influence the overall typing experience for users, highlighting the importance of housing material selection in customizing sound profiles for mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the initial force needed to activate a keypress is lighter on the Penguin, both switches will feel equally firm when fully pressed down. This makes the Panda a slightly heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Penguin may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Penguin switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Panda switch. The Panda switch offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Penguin switch is slightly shallower, making it ideal for users who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer different levels of tactility based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 switch offers a resonant and sharp sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users looking for a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch presents a muted and neutral sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer and quieter typing experience, especially in office environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch with a distinct and resonant sound, the Panda would be the way to go, while the Penguin is better suited for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile sensation, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still offers a satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch features a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance and light key press. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, with the Panda leaning towards a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Penguin focuses on a lighter touch for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda and Akko Penguin switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing needs. The Panda excels in providing a resonant and hyper-tactile experience with a deep thocky sound profile, perfect for users who value hypertactility and a full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the Penguin offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, ideal for office environments and prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, albeit with different characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and typing requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the unique features and preferences that each switch offers. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a silent typing experience for office environments and a balanced mix of responsiveness and comfort, the Penguin would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a resonant typing experience with pronounced feedback (Panda) or a muted and polished typing experience with a balanced feel (Penguin). Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so choose based on what fits your typing style and environment best.
Mentioned in this article
