Aflion Panda vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Aflion Panda, a tactile switch, and the TTC Venus, a linear switch, it's important to consider the unique features of each. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its internal configuration that offers a seamless, frictionless glide paired with a unique "Q-texture" for a smooth and engaging typing experience. While the Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', the Venus boasts characteristics such as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the TTC Venus, we find that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more crisp typing experience. However, the Venus differs with its POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast demonstrates how the choice of top housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Panda utilizes a nylon material which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, creating a sharper and more resonant sound. While both housing materials offer their own unique qualities, the Panda's nylon bottom housing provides a softer typing experience compared to the Venus's stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing. This highlights the importance of considering the combination of top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall feel of a switch.
When it comes to typing on switches with different top and bottom housing materials, users will experience a combination of the qualities each material brings to the table. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This dual effect allows for a more dynamic typing experience, showcasing how the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the overall performance of a keyboard switch. In the case of the Panda and Venus, the contrasting materials in their top and bottom housings provide users with a range of sound profiles to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch with the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Venus's 45 grams, making it require a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Panda again proves to be heavier at 60 grams compared to the Venus's 52 grams. This means that the Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Venus offers a lighter typing experience, which could be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier feel while typing. Similar results can be achieved with both switches if the user prefers a medium actuation and bottom out force, as the differences between the two are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Panda being slightly longer than the Venus. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Venus for faster response times, while those who value a more tactile feel may lean towards the Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 tactile switch offers a resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a high-pitched and immersive auditory experience with a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch presents a low-pitched, muted sound that is bass-heavy and mellow, offering a quiet and subdued auditory experience. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Panda emphasizing a deep thocky echo, while the Venus delivers a smooth and engaging muted sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium tactile sensation that is pronounced and immersive. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a buttery, frictionless feel that is smooth, effortless, and uniform, creating a seamless typing experience. While the Panda emphasizes a tactile force with moderate firmness, the Venus focuses on a balanced sensation with a unique matte feeling that ensures smooth and fluid key presses. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback that caters to different typing preferences, with the Panda delivering a more invigorating sensation, while the Venus provides a buttery and gummy key press experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Panda excels in providing a resonant and thocky sound profile paired with an accented and invigorating tactile sensation, appealing to users who value hypertactility and a full-bodied auditory experience. On the other hand, the Venus stands out for its low-pitched, muted sound and buttery, frictionless feel, appealing to those seeking a smooth and engaging typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that ensure a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect enjoyable and responsive typing experiences with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize hyper-tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Panda switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you value a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a light actuation force and a buttery feel, the Venus switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, whether you opt for the "Thocky" Panda or the "Gummy" Venus, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing needs.
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