KTT Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda. The Cream Yellow switch is a linear switch, categorized by its distinctively clacky sound and uniquely bouncy typing feel. It achieves this through a shortened bottom-out distance, a long-pole stem for resonant audio feedback, and a lengthened spring that contributes to its bounciness. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is a tactile switch that offers a light-medium amount of tactility. It produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. The Red Panda is known for its 'thocky' feel and gentle tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their own merits, and can greatly enhance your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who plan on incorporating RGB lighting into their keyboards. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results when it comes to the top housing of these switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Yellow and the Red Panda adopt nylon as their material of choice. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. The absorbent nature of nylon allows it to capture more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This material choice ensures that users can enjoy a more satisfying typing sound when utilizing either switch. Therefore, whether it's the Cream Yellow or the Red Panda, the bottom housing's properties will deliver comparable results.
It is worth noting that when a switch has different housing materials for the top and the bottom, the unique qualities of each material will be divided between these respective parts. As a result, the bottom housing will have a more pronounced impact on the sound and tactile feel of bottoming out the key. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the Cream Yellow and the Red Panda share similar housing materials, the way these materials contribute to the overall typing experience may differ slightly due to the allocation of materials between the top and the bottom of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both. This ensures a consistent and responsive typing experience for users of either switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight variation. The Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Red Panda has a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Red Panda offers a slightly firmer feel when pressing the keys all the way down compared to the Cream Yellow.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that the Cream Yellow is lighter with its 58-gram bottom out force, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This lighter actuation and bottom out force can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or participate in long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Red Panda has a slightly heavier 60-gram bottom out force, providing a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. This can be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing.
Overall, while the actuation forces are the same for both the Cream Yellow and Red Panda switches, the slight difference in their bottom out forces allows for a nuanced variation in typing feel. The Cream Yellow offers a lighter typing experience, whereas the Red Panda provides a slightly heavier and more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that they have slight differences. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the most shallow, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may appeal more to gamers who prioritize faster response times. The Cream Yellow, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This is achieved through its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel, giving the keys a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The Cream Yellow switch offers a lively feel, providing rebound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is known for its light-medium level of tactility and a different sound profile. When typing on Red Panda switches, you'll notice a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, as well as a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This results in a satisfying and deeper "thock" or soft "knock" sound when keys are pressed and released. In terms of feel, the Red Panda switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone that should be approachable to most users.
Based on the available information, the Cream Yellow and Red Panda switches offer different subjective qualities. The Cream Yellow provides a distinctive clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, while the Red Panda offers a thocky sound and a mild typing experience. It's important to consider personal preference when choosing between these switches, as the sound and feel can greatly impact the overall typing experience. Additionally, it's worth noting that factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your specific preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a keyboard switch that provides a distinctively clacky sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality, the Cream Yellow would be a great choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a bouncy and spring-like typing feel that offers rebound when pressed, the Cream Yellow will provide a uniquely lively experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, along with a safe and gentle typing experience, the Red Panda is a suitable option. Its mild characteristics make it approachable for most typists, providing a satisfying thocky sound and a comfortable feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal sound and feel preferences, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard gives you the best typing experience possible.
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