Outemu Red Panda vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences are the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light-medium tactility, accompanied by a raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink is a linear switch that boasts a feather-light actuation force of 35g, making it perfect for delicate typists. It offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, akin to gliding, and produces a delightfully poppy sound akin to bubble wrap being popped. While these general descriptions provide a brief glimpse into each switch's characteristics, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches share a common trait - they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced aesthetics, particularly when using RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal when using either switch.
However, where these switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Red Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the physical experience of typing, the materials used in the bottom and top housing play distinct roles. The Red Panda's nylon bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the top housing material, shared by both switches, has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, even though they utilize different bottom housing materials, users can expect differences in the typing experience between the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Sakura Pink based on these distinctive properties.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences. The Red Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Red Panda requires more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Red Panda is also heavier at 60 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Red Panda provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and longer periods of typing, the Sakura Pink with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be more suitable. The lighter forces allow for smoother and faster keystrokes, ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Red Panda's medium actuation and bottom out forces may appeal to users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback and a more robust typing experience. The heavier forces of the Red Panda can provide a satisfying sensation when pressing down on the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences. Some may favor the Red Panda for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, while others may opt for the Sakura Pink for its lighter touch. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different user needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sakura Pink has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Red Panda's travel distance falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink offers a deeper and more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if responsiveness is a priority, the Red Panda would be the better option, whereas if a more pronounced key press is desired, the Sakura Pink would be the preferred choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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
The subjective sound qualities of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch differ significantly. When typing on the Red Panda, you can expect a light-medium amount of tactility accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This switch produces a thocky sound, characterized by a deep and satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink has a muted sound profile. These super light switches offer a softer and quieter typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, which adds a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. It's important to note that the actual sound produced by the switches may be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Red Panda is described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that the switch offers a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, ensuring that the sound and feel are comfortable for most typists. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink offers a buttery and creamy typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. These switches have an easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Sakura Pink is also described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with a fluid travel sensation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda provides a thocky sound with a light-medium amount of tactility, while the Sakura Pink has a muted sound and a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. In terms of feel, the Red Panda offers a mild typing experience, while the Sakura Pink provides a buttery, creamy, and easy-to-press typing sensation with a frictionless travel feel. Overall, the Red Panda is a more tactile switch, while the Sakura Pink focuses on a smooth and effortless typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you value a medium level of tactility and enjoy a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, along with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, the Red Panda is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Sakura Pink is the way to go. These switches have a feather-light actuation force, making them perfect for delicate typists, and they produce a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switches offer various descriptors such as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless, highlighting the smooth and fluid keystroke experience they provide. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on whether you prioritize a medium level of tactility and a bassier sound (Red Panda) or a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience (Sakura Pink).
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