TTC Bluish White vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

Are you in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch that will enhance your typing experience? Look no further, as we present to you the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Red Panda, two impressive tactile switches each with its unique characteristics. The Bluish White is best known for offering a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, thanks to its smooth, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Both switches have their merits, but let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Bluish White Tactile

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Red Panda have many similarities. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound qualities and aesthetic benefits due to their polycarbonate top housings.

Where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Bluish White utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, while the Red Panda also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Though both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may create slight variations in the sound and feel when typing on them.

It's important to note that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housing, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when letting go of a key. As such, the bottom housing has greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the specific combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch will result in different tactile and auditory experiences when typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The TTC Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience.

In terms of bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams of force, which means it maintains a consistent light feel throughout typing. The Red Panda, however, has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Bluish White. This heavier bottom out force can be more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.

Ultimately, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Bluish White switch would be the better option. It offers a lower actuation force and a lighter bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions with minimal strain. Meanwhile, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a medium actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force, appealing to individuals who seek a more substantial and tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see that the Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what can be considered a traditional travel distance, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. It is worth noting that in recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. So, if you prioritize a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the Outemu Red Panda with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper and more satisfying keypress. For these individuals, the TTC Bluish White with its slightly longer travel distance might be the more suitable option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a satisfyingly poppy sound that is not too high-pitched. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a thocky sound, which is a deep, rich, and satisfying sound that resembles a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. The Red Panda's sound profile also includes a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a range of descriptors. It is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This means that the switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Bluish White switch is also considered mild, which means it offers a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable for most users, as its qualities lie in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is referred to as stepped, meaning it offers a tactile feel with a noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Lastly, the switch is described as subtle, indicating a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Furthermore, the switch is polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. The Red Panda switch, on the other hand, is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer different sound profiles and feels. The Bluish White switch offers a low-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. It is known for providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a smooth and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch produces a thocky sound with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Its feel is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. Both switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the results may differ, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction and usability from both switches. As always, personal preference, the choice of keyboard board, and keycaps can also play a role in the overall experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is a great choice. These switches offer a snappy sound profile and a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They have a low-pitched sound and provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying sound when pressed, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force, these switches produce a thocky sound that resembles a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. The Red Panda switches also provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Bluish White Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more