Aflion Panda vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Panda and the Jerrzi Violet mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options. The Panda is highly praised for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those who value extreme tactility and vibrant audio feedback. On the other hand, the Violet offers a smoother actuation and a gentle poppy tactility, providing a more balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Panda is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Violet is labeled as 'Stepped' and 'Neutral'. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Panda and the Jerrzi Violet feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This characteristic also makes polycarbonate ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. However, while they share the same top housing material, the Panda and Violet differ when it comes to their bottom housing material - with the Panda using nylon and the Violet also incorporating nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound and feel, the split between the top and bottom housings of the Panda and Violet can be observed when typing on the switches. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material, such as a deeper sound profile, have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the characteristics of the top housing material, like creating a clearer and resonant sound, are more prominent when releasing a key. This dynamic highlights how the choice of housing material can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
While both switches may have differences in their housing materials, they ultimately aim to provide a unique typing experience for users. The Aflion Panda's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a balance of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Jerrzi Violet's use of the same materials may yield similar results. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile with a stiffer plastic or a deeper sound profile with a softer plastic, both switches showcase how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound output.
Weight
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aflion Panda requires 60 grams, while the Jerrzi Violet's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a medium level of force, but the Aflion Panda is slightly heavier in comparison. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider depending on personal preference. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Jerrzi Violet for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the stronger push feel of the Aflion Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Panda slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Violet. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while the Violet's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, providing a quicker response time. Gamers may prefer the Violet for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Panda. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to individual preferences.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 that is clean, sharp, and immersive, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a neutral sound signature that is moderate and suitable for various typing environments. The choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, as the Panda offers a more distinct and resonant typing experience, while the Violet provides a balanced and pleasant sound.
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 comparison, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is characterized as stepped, providing a mild tactile feedback with more subtle pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Those who prefer a more prominent and invigorating tactile experience may lean towards the Panda, while individuals seeking a gentler and smoother feel may prefer the Violet.
Overall, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer unique sound and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile sensation with a thocky sound profile, the Violet offers a smoother and gentler tactile feedback with a neutral sound signature. Both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will result in different but equally enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you value a medium bottom out force and seek a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep, thocky sound profile, the Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile experience with smooth actuation and a balanced sound signature, the Violet could offer a more enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and what kind of typing feel and sound profile you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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