Outemu Red Panda vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Outemu Red Panda and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a light-medium amount of tactility alongside a distinctive raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. It is categorized as "Thocky" and "Mild". On the other hand, the Yanyu is a linear switch known for providing a delicate typing experience, making it ideal for those who spend long periods of time typing. Its material blend gives it a crisp sound profile. The Yanyu is categorized as "Neutral", "Mild", "Thocky", "Feathery", "Subtle", and "Polished". Both switches have their unique benefits, and each can cater to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer distinct characteristics and contribute to different sound profiles. The Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. Its relatively stiffer plastic ensures a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Yanyu switches boast a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. This blend produces a pleasant sound profile that is brighter but not overly sharp. Both switches offer distinct and appealing sound profiles but with different tonal qualities.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, the Red Panda utilizes a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms brings about a deeper and fuller sound, as the relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Yanyu switches employ a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for their bottom housing. This unique blend also contributes to a pleasant sound profile, which leans towards the brighter side without being excessively sharp. The blend absorbs sound differently than nylon, resulting in a distinctive sound experience.
In terms of function, the combination of the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's qualities become evident, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. The choice of housing material for the bottom housing affects the overall typing experience by shaping the tactile and auditory feedback during keypress. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, both the Red Panda and the Yanyu switches provide a comprehensive typing experience by combining the unique qualities of their top and bottom housings.
In summary, while the Outemu Red Panda and SP-Star Yanyu switches have different housing materials, they both offer pleasing sound profiles. The Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches utilize a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is brighter but not overly sharp. The choice of housing material from top to bottom influences different aspects of the typing experience, ensuring both switches offer distinct auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is medium, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unavailable. In terms of bottom out force, the Red Panda requires 60 grams of force, while the Yanyu only requires 43 grams, making it lighter.
Considering weight is important for different reasons. Those who prefer lighter switches may find that they can type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This is particularly useful for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, choosing options with heavier forces is ideal.
While the actuation forces of the Red Panda and the Yanyu are not directly comparable due to the unavailability of the Yanyu's force measurement, it can be inferred that the Yanyu may have a lighter actuation force compared to the Red Panda given its lower bottom out force. If both switches have the same actuation force, it can be expected that they will deliver similar results in terms of key response.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a medium actuation force and a heavier bottom out force compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has a lighter bottom out force. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Red Panda offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Yanyu. A 3.3 mm travel distance falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, offering a more responsive typing or gaming experience. This shorter distance is often preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Yanyu with its 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Some individuals may prefer this longer travel distance as it avoids the abruptness that can come with shorter distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter and more responsive feel or a longer and more substantial depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a unique and distinct experience. Typing on these switches produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination creates a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a crisp sound profile. While the specific sound characteristics of this switch are not provided, it is mentioned that the Yanyu's material blend contributes to its pleasing sound. Therefore, although the sound profiles of these switches differ, they both aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, you can achieve similar satisfying sounds with either switch.
In terms of feel, both the Red Panda and the Yanyu switches are described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. As such, they are suitable for most users, regardless of their typing proficiency. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is noted to have a feathery quality, meaning it requires little exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. The Red Panda switch, on the other hand, does not have any additional descriptors for its feel. Therefore, while the Yanyu switch offers a lighter feel, the Red Panda switch can still provide a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch differ in sound profile, with the Red Panda offering a bassier bottom-out sound and clackier top-out sound, while the Yanyu provides a crisp sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, with the Yanyu being exceptionally light to press. Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique sound profile, the Red Panda is a great choice. If a lighter and delicate typing experience is your preference, the Yanyu switch would be more suitable. However, it's important to note that individual preferences can vary, and the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also impact the overall experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, then the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience, especially for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be the better option. The Yanyu switch also offers a crisp sound profile and a gentle typing feel, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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