TTC Brother vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the TTC Brother, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch. The TTC Brother is praised for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both comfortable and precise. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a different typing experience with a light-medium amount of tactility and distinctive bottom-out and top-out sounds. While the Brother is categorized as ['Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Stepped'], the Red Panda falls into categories like ['Thocky', 'Mild']. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Red Panda both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. Both switches offer similar sound profiles and benefits when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Brother and the Red Panda differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Brother utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate used for the top housing. Similarly, the Red Panda also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a deeper sound profile.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the TTC Brother and the Outemu Red Panda allows for a balanced sound profile when typing on these switches. The different qualities brought by each housing material contribute to a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials between the two switches, both provide a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams. This means that the Brother switch would require less force to trigger a keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. Additionally, the Brother switch does not provide information on the bottom out force, while the Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium. This indicates that the Red Panda switch would require more force to fully press down a key compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Brother switch. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Brother switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Red Panda switch. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is preferred by many gamers for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be significant to the average user, but those who prefer a more pronounced key press may find the Brother switch to provide a slightly deeper feel compared to the Red Panda. Ultimately, both switches offer a short travel distance that caters to individuals seeking a quick and responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 TTC Brother clicky switch is often praised for its crunchy and precise click, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This auditory experience is a favorite among enthusiasts of clicky switches, providing a satisfyingly tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a different sound signature, described as thocky with a bassier bottom-out and a clackier top-out sound. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is commended for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a gentle typing experience. The switch also features a stepped tactile bump, offering a nuanced tactility that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as providing a mild tactile experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone, suitable for most users looking for a comfortable and approachable typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more nuanced and gentle typing experience or a straightforward and easy actuation.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother switch excels in providing a crunchy and precise click with an easy-to-press nature and a stepped tactile bump, the Red Panda switch offers a thocky sound with a mild tactile experience that is comfortable and approachable. Both switches have their merits, and the choice between them will ultimately come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Regardless of your selection, rest assured that both switches will provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light and breezy actuation with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, along with a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance, then the TTC Brother clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch might suit your typing preferences better. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for a truly enjoyable typing experience.
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