Aflion Panda vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that are worth considering are the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. Both switches offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Panda stands out for its unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation and profoundly "thocky" sound profile. If you value a keyboard with a super responsive tactile force and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback, the Panda is a solid choice. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. Additionally, their medium-weight makes them suitable for a wide range of users. The POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your keyboard preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Panda Tactile

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$5.20

$3.56 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Everglide Sunset Yellow keyboards differ in terms of their top and bottom housings. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow uses a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials add unique characteristics to the sound produced, the polycarbonate is more likely to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency, giving the Panda an advantage in terms of aesthetics.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Panda utilizes a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM bottom housing, contributing to its overall sound profile, which is also on the deeper side but relatively more muted. Despite their differences, both keyboards offer a pleasing and unique sound experience due to their distinct bottom housing materials.

When comparing the overall impact of the top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. In the case of the Panda, this means that the nylon material brings a deeper and fuller sound when the keys are pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in these keyboards creates a balanced and varied sound experience depending on the specific action performed while typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. The Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Yellow requires a slightly lighter force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balance between a light and heavy typing experience.

In terms of bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams of force to fully press down, while the Sunset Yellow has a lighter bottom out force of 51 grams. This means that the Panda offers a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down compared to the Sunset Yellow.

Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sunset Yellow, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lighter weight is especially suitable for those who need to use their keyboards for extended periods at work or during lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel in their keystrokes may opt for the Panda, as its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience.

Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Panda and the Sunset Yellow differ slightly, both switches fall within the medium range and can offer a satisfying typing experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference – whether one prefers a lighter touch for enhanced endurance or a heavier push for a more substantial typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Panda has a longer travel distance at 4.0mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2mm. The Panda's travel distance falls more in line with the traditional 4.0mm distance, offering a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow provides a shallower feel with its shorter travel distance. This can be beneficial for gamers who require faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preference. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker keystroke, the Sunset Yellow would be the suitable option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, the Panda with its longer travel distance would be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its resonant profile. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound that is clean, sharp, and immersive. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a captivating sound profile that resembles the collision of mahjong tiles. With a rich, bassy sound, typing becomes indulgent and satisfying. The Sunset Yellow switch is also described as thocky, which means it offers a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. While the Panda has a uniquely "thocky" sound, the Sunset Yellow switch has a more bassy and decadent sound. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented, meaning it offers a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches provide a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Typing on the Panda switch results in an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. With its creamy and frictionless properties, pressing the keys on these switches feels effortless, like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Panda switch offers an accented and invigorating feel, while the Sunset Yellow switch provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience.

Taking all the available information into account, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch features a resonant sound profile with a deep and satisfying thocky sound, while the Sunset Yellow switch offers a captivating and bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. When it comes to feel, the Panda switch provides an accented and invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, while the Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether it be the hyper-tactile and thocky experience of the Panda or the smooth and indulgent typing sensation of the Sunset Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a hyper-tactile sensation and a deep "thocky" sound profile, the Panda is the way to go. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides a responsive typing experience, accompanied by a resonant sound that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more indulgent typing experience, the Sunset Yellow is the better choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams and unique POM stem, this switch offers a distinct gliding feel and a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. The Sunset Yellow is described as both bassy and thocky, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow offers descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, and polished, indicating a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches have their own unique advantages, so it's important to consider your desired tactile feel and sound profile when making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Panda Tactile

$5.20

$3.56 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more