Kailh Berry vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Red Panda 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 Kailh Berry and the Outemu Red Panda. The Kailh Berry is a linear switch, known for its hefty typing experience and springy feel. Typing on these switches provides a chalk-like texture, accompanied by a deep sound profile that is textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. When using these switches, you can expect a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a bottom-out sound reminiscent of raindrops and a top-out sound that is clackier and higher-pitched. Categorized as thocky and mild, the Red Panda switches provide a unique tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Red Panda switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both the Berry and the Red Panda switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Berry switch employs nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic, absorbing more sound and creating a more subdued and rounded sound experience. In contrast, the Red Panda switch also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which shares the same characteristics of sound absorption and the resulting dull and round sound profile as its counterpart. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience from both the Berry and the Red Panda switches when it comes to their nylon bottom housings.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the user will feel the impact and experience the characteristics of the bottom housing, which directly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, upon releasing the key, the sound will be influenced more by the top housing. This means that both the Berry and the Red Panda switch will differ in terms of the sound profile during keystrokes and key release due to the variations in their top housing materials, despite sharing the same nylon bottom housing characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Kailh Berry linear switch has an actuation force that is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, its bottom out force is 70 grams, which puts it in the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it lighter than the Kailh Berry. Additionally, its bottom out force is 60 grams, which falls into the medium range.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Outemu Red Panda. This lighter force allows for extended periods of comfortable typing, making it an ideal choice for those who use their keyboards for work or long gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Kailh Berry may be a better option with its heavier bottom out force.
It is worth noting that if both the actuation force and bottom out force are the same for the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Red Panda, individuals can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. However, given the available information, the Outemu Red Panda can be considered the lighter option, while the Kailh Berry can be labeled as the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm and the more shallow 3.0 mm. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Berry with its shorter travel distance. This shorter distance allows for quicker key presses and more responsiveness. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Red Panda with its slightly longer travel distance. The longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keystroke and a sense of greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25, 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
The Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its hefty typing experience. When typing on these switches, users can expect a springy feel and a chalk-like texture. In terms of sound, the Berry switch has a fairly deep and bass-heavy profile, creating a mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a light-medium amount of tactility. Typing on these switches provides a bassier, raindrop-like sound when bottoming out, and a clackier, higher-pitched sound when releasing the key. The Red Panda switch offers a mild typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. In comparison, the Berry switch is described as textured with noticeable friction, while the Red Panda switch offers a more gentle and approachable typing feel. Overall, the sound and feel of these switches differ, with the Berry switch being deeper and springier, and the Red Panda switch providing a lighter and more tactile experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a heavier typing experience and a deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry is the way to go. It has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel and a springy type feel. The sound profile is fairly deep and bassy. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a lighter typing experience and a more gentle sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda is the better choice. It has a bottom out force of 60 grams, giving it a medium feel. The typing experience is described as mild, making it approachable to most users. The sound is thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Red Panda comes down to personal preference for the typing experience and sound profile you desire.
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