Outemu Red Panda vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Red Panda and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a light-medium amount of tactility, paired with a bassier and clackier sound when bottoming out and toping out respectively. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. While the Red Panda falls under the categories of "Thocky" and "Mild", the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as "Low-pitched", "Neutral", and "Mild". Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing users with options based on their desired typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either of these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Red Panda and Sea Salt Lemon differ slightly. The Red Panda features a nylon bottom housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon as a housing material tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, with both switches incorporating nylon in their bottom housing, users can expect a similar sound experience in terms of depth and fullness.
It is worth noting that the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the top housing is the same for both switches, the combination of materials in the bottom housing may result in slight differences in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Red Panda is 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Red Panda requires 60 grams while the Sea Salt Lemon requires 53 grams. This makes the Red Panda slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, both switches fall within the medium range, ensuring a satisfying tactile response. So, while the Red Panda may be slightly heavier than the Sea Salt Lemon, both switches offer similar results and can be suitable choices depending on individual preferences for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Red Panda falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is popular among gamers due to its faster response times. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a deeper and more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. The Red Panda provides a more responsive typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize speed, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch appeals to individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Despite their contrasting travel distances, both switches offer unique benefits and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is known for producing a unique combination of sounds. When typing on these switches, users experience a light-medium amount of tactility accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound. Additionally, the top-out sound is clackier and higher-pitched. This combination creates a satisfying auditory experience, often described as a "thocky" sound, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. Switches with low-pitched characteristics typically exhibit a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Sea Salt Lemon also has a neutral sound profile, which means it offers a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes, regardless of whether someone is a beginner or advanced user. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch share the descriptor of "mild." This means that both switches offer a gentle and approachable typing experience. The mild characteristics ensure that the sound and feel of these switches are suitable for most users, as they fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. The Red Panda tactile switch's mild feel is complemented by its light-medium amount of tactility, providing a balanced tactile feedback during typing. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch's mild feel is enhanced by its progressive spring and dry-lube design, resulting in a smooth and buttery typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda switch provides a unique combination of sounds, including a thocky bottom-out and clackier top-out sound. It offers a mild feel with a light-medium amount of tactility. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched sound profile and a neutral sound characteristic suitable for various users. It also provides a mild feel with a smooth typing experience. Overall, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, each with its own unique sound and feel characteristics. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide satisfactory results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The Red Panda offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and provides a light-medium amount of tactility. Typing on these switches produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon has a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and offers a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. These switches are best known for their representation of what a linear switch can be.
In terms of sound, the Red Panda is described as having a thocky sound, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is also considered a neutral switch, meaning it has a moderate sound profile that suits various purposes and users.
When it comes to feel, both switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a gentle feel during typing and are approachable to most users. Both switches fall in a safe middle-ground zone, making them suitable for a wide range of users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a stronger tactile experience and a slightly higher bottom out force, then the Red Panda may be a better fit for you. However, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a lower bottom out force and a mellow, low-pitched sound, then the Sea Salt Lemon may be the perfect choice. Consider your typing preferences and the specific characteristics you prioritize before making your decision.
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