Outemu Dustproof Red vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Outemu Red Panda. The Dustproof Red is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke with no tactile feedback or audible click. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch, providing a light-medium amount of tactility with a unique bottom-out and top-out sound profile. The Dustproof Red is best suited for those who prefer a seamless typing experience without any distractions, while the Red Panda is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and audibly engaging typing feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Outemu Red Panda, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate in their top housings.
On the other hand, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material of these switches. The Outemu Dustproof Red features a nylon bottom housing, while the Outemu Red Panda also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile created by polycarbonate. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the two switches may still offer slightly different sound and typing experiences due to other factors such as stem design.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Outemu Red Panda creates a balanced sound profile. The qualities each material brings to the switch are split between the bottom and top housings, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. While the top housing affects the overall sound profile, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the typing experience. In conclusion, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with a choice between a crisper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are some notable differences to consider. The Dustproof Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience once the key is fully pressed. This means that while the initial keystroke may feel slightly lighter on the Dustproof Red, the overall typing experience in terms of resistance against bottoming out will be similar on both switches. So, if you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force, the Dustproof Red may be the better option for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Red Panda offers a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Dustproof Red offers a longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press with a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for key feel and response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will provide similar results in terms of quality, with the main difference lying in the distance traveled from top to bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a unique sound profile with a thocky bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, providing a more immersive and satisfying typing sound for users seeking a bit more auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Red switch offers a smooth linear typing experience without any tactile feedback, suitable for users who prefer a consistent key press without any distractions. In contrast, the Red Panda switch provides a light to medium amount of tactility, giving users a more engaging typing experience with a mild tactile bump that enhances the overall feel of each keystroke. This can be especially beneficial for typists who prefer a bit more feedback while they type.
Taking into consideration the information provided, it is clear that the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dustproof Red switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Red Panda switch delivers a more tactile and immersive typing experience with its distinctive sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it really comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a smooth linear switch with a consistent feel and sound, the Dustproof Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a bit of feedback and a unique sound profile, the Red Panda could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer their own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Happy typing!
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