Outemu Red Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, giving a satisfying feel when typing, accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. It falls into the category of "Thocky" and "Mild" switches. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio provide a profound and pronounced tactile bump with a tactile force of 70g. This creates a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging and immersive experience. In addition, these switches have a unique sound profile, characterized by a "thocky" resonance, resulting from Wuque Studios' nylon housings. With attributes such as being accented, bouncy, clacky, high-pitched, invigorating, resonant, sharp, and snappy, they offer a captivating auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Red Panda and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have different housing materials for both the top and bottom. The Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate delivers a sharper, more pronounced sound, while nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Red Panda and WS Heavy Tactile switches utilize nylon as the material. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material, and its properties impact the overall sound profile. Similar to the nylon top housing, the nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. As such, the sound you experience while typing on the Red Panda and WS Heavy Tactile switches will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the attributes of the bottom housing, made of nylon in both cases, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, whether polycarbonate for the Red Panda or nylon for the WS Heavy Tactile, will have more influence on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, while the overall sound profile may have some similarities due to the nylon bottom housing, the differences brought by the top housing materials will result in distinct sound characteristics between the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Red Panda has a medium actuation force of 50 grams, meaning it requires a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unavailable, so it is unclear how much force is required to activate it. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Red Panda has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it requires more pressure to fully press the key. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams.
Considering the weight aspect, the Red Panda is relatively balanced with its medium actuation force and slightly heavier bottom out force. It provides a satisfactory typing experience for those who prefer a moderate amount of resistance. The WS Heavy Tactile switch, on the other hand, seems to be lighter overall with its unknown actuation force and lighter bottom out force. This lighter weight may be preferred by individuals who value extended typing sessions or require a more effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch differ in terms of weight. While the Red Panda offers a medium actuation force and heavier bottom out force, the WS Heavy Tactile switch appears to be lighter overall. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the desired typing experience and personal preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for increased responsiveness. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable, with the Red Panda offering a slightly deeper key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference, with the Red Panda offering a touch more depth and the WS Heavy Tactile providing a slightly quicker response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we find distinct differences. The Red Panda switch produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, which can be described as a "thocky" resonance. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more clacky and high-pitched sound profile. It presents a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed, thanks to the nylon housings used by Wuque Studios. It is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, while the Red Panda offers a deeper and richer sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a sharper and more resonant auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Red Panda switch is described as having a mild tactile experience, falling within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. It offers a gentle typing experience that would be suitable for most users. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides an accented or medium tactile experience. It offers a noticeable and prominent tactile bump without being overwhelming or subtle. The WS Heavy Tactile switch also describes a bouncy and invigorating feel with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively and rebounding touch. This switch also offers a sharp and snappy tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke. Additionally, it is known for being snappy and super responsive, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the Red Panda and WS Heavy Tactile switches offer distinct characteristics in both sound and feel. The Red Panda switch provides a bassier and thocky sound, paired with a mild and approachable tactile feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, complemented by an accented and invigorating tactile experience. If you are looking for a deep and rich sound with a relatively gentle tactile experience, the Red Panda switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a sharp and crisp sound with a more pronounced and responsive tactile feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be a compelling option. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a light to medium amount of tactility, along with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more pronounced tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch would be a better fit. With its satisfying resistance, immersive tactile experience, and "thocky" sound profile, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a unique typing journey. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, tactile feel, and sound profile.
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