TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique experiences are the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Red Panda. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced nature, providing a slight and satisfying bump while maintaining a moderate weightiness. With a softer sound profile compared to most switches, it is categorized as a versatile option that falls under descriptors such as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Accented', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility along with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, giving it a distinctive typing experience. This switch falls under the descriptors of 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Red Panda switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.

However, where the switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gold Brown utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Red Panda also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, providing similarly deep and full sound qualities.

Despite this difference, the impact of these bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches cannot be ignored. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that both the Gold Brown and the Red Panda switches will offer a satisfying typing experience, with the bottom housing material contributing to the overall sound profile.

However, it is worth noting that the top housing material will still have an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a consistent sharp and crisp sound when letting go of a key. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gold Brown or the Red Panda, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality, with the differences lying in the feel of the switches.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, both switches have similar actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force for the Gold Brown is 55 grams, while the Red Panda has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams, while the Red Panda requires slightly less at 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium force range. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter typing experience, the Red Panda may be the better choice, as it has a slightly lighter actuation force. However, if one prefers a slightly more substantial typing experience, the Gold Brown may be preferable due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches provide similar results, making them suitable options for those who prefer medium force tactile switches.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Gold Brown's travel distance of 4 mm falls into the more traditional range, providing a deeper keypress sensation. On the other hand, the Red Panda's travel distance of 3.3 mm is on the shallower end, which is ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you value a more responsive typing experience, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance would be a better fit. However, if you prefer a deeper keypress feel, the Gold Brown's longer travel distance would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile. It produces a rounded sound that is generally softer compared to most switches, without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch is known for its thocky sound. When typing on these switches, you can expect a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, both the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Red Panda switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Gold Brown switch is further described as buttery, accented, and polished. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation. The Red Panda switch, though not described with additional qualities, shares the same mild typing experience as the Gold Brown switch.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gold Brown and Red Panda switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide a mild typing experience that is approachable and suitable for most users. While the Gold Brown switch has a neutral sound profile, the Red Panda switch produces a thocky sound. Both switches have their unique characteristics and can be a great choice depending on your personal preferences. As always, it's important to consider factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can influence the overall typing experience and sound produced.

Conclusion

To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Gold Brown slightly heavier at 63 grams compared to the Red Panda's 60 grams.

The Gold Brown is known for its balanced qualities, offering a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. It produces a rounded and softer sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether used at home or work. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, alongside a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Its sound is described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.

In terms of feel, both switches fall into the mild category, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Gold Brown's feel can be described as buttery, accented, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Red Panda, on the other hand, shares a similar mild typing experience, ensuring approachability to most users.

Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a balanced and softer sound profile, along with a slightly heavier weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound, a lighter weightiness, and a raindrop-like bottom-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda would be a fitting option.

In the end, it's important to consider the sound, feel, and bottom out force that aligns with your preferences and typing style. Whether you choose the Gold Brown or the Red Panda, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more