Bsun Pine vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Pine and Outemu Red Panda are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences for users. The Pine switch is well-known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. While the Pine switch may be preferred by those who appreciate a sharp and snappy typing experience, the Red Panda switch is favored for its thocky and mild feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Red Panda have several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
While the top housing of both the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Red Panda is made of polycarbonate, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The Pine uses a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the Red Panda also features a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a similar sound profile as the Pine. Despite this commonality, the overall typing experience may vary slightly due to other factors such as stem material and switch design. Both switches are designed to offer a satisfying sound and feel with their combination of housing materials.
The split design of housing materials in switches like the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Red Panda allows for a unique typing experience. The qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are distinct, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials provides a balanced typing experience, combining the benefits of both polycarbonate and nylon to create a harmonious sound profile. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound from nylon, each housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch with a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires a heavier force of 65 grams while the Red Panda needs a slightly lighter force of 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Red Panda, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may find the Bsun Pine more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsnu Pine tactile switch is slightly longer than that of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch. The Pine has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Although the difference may seem minimal, it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Pine. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the slight variation in travel distance may be a deciding factor for some users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Pine switch is known for its sharp, direct sound with a quick bottom-out, while the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a thocky sound profile with a bassier bottom-out and clackier top-out. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences that may appeal to different preferences, with the Pine switch emphasizing a sharper noise and the Red Panda switch highlighting a deeper, more resonant tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Pine switch is characterized by an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback that offers a distinct typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a milder tactile experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to a wider range of users. The Pine switch focuses on delivering a more intense and noticeable tactile bump, while the Red Panda switch offers a gentler typing feel that may be preferred by those seeking a less pronounced tactility.
In conclusion, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch each offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different typing preferences. The Pine switch excels in providing a sharp and intense tactile experience with a quick and direct sound, while the Red Panda switch offers a thocky sound profile with a milder tactile feel. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, so the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharp and invigorating typing sensation or a mild and approachable tactile experience, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a unique typing experience with a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, the Bsun Pine tactile switch is the way to go. It offers a distinct and direct tactility that is favored by those who appreciate a no-nonsense typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch might be more your style. It provides a light-medium amount of feedback with a satisfying thocky sound when pressed. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper and more invigorating typing experience with the Pine, or a milder and more approachable feel with the Red Panda.
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