Outemu Crystal vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of options available to cater to different preferences and typing styles. Two popular choices to consider are the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Red Panda. The Crystal is a linear switch, offering a unique typing experience thanks to its fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight. Typing on these switches results in a neutral sound profile, making them a pleasant choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch, providing a light-medium amount of tactility. When typing on these switches, you can expect a more bassier and raindrop-like bottom-out sound, along with a clackier and higher-pitched top-out sound. The Red Panda is ideal for users who prefer a more tactile feedback while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Red Panda, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Crystal and Red Panda switches will deliver similar sound profiles and visual effects when using their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Crystal boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to the overall sound profile when pressing down on the switch. As polycarbonate is stiffer, it produces a sharper and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Red Panda employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, while the top housings deliver similar sound characteristics, the bottom housings offer distinct sound experiences between the Crystal and Red Panda switches.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound experience. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the Crystal, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will provide a sharper and more resonant sensation when typing. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound is influenced more by the top housing. Both the Crystal and Red Panda, featuring polycarbonate top housings, will produce a similar sound profile upon key release. However, the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing may result in a slightly different feel when letting go of keys compared to the Crystal.
In summary, the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Red Panda deliver similar results when it comes to the polycarbonate top housings. Both switches provide a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile, making them ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, their bottom housing materials differ, with the Crystal employing polycarbonate for a stiffer and resonant typing experience, while the Red Panda utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound. The bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound upon key release is impacted by the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. The Crystal switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal requires 55 grams, while the Red Panda calls for 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, with the Crystal being slightly lighter overall.
These variances in force can have an impact on the typing experience. For individuals who prefer a lighter touch, the Crystal switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This feature can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a slightly stronger push feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a more pronounced tactile response.
Overall, while the Crystal and Red Panda switches may have different actuation and bottom out forces, they both offer medium force levels suitable for a range of typing preferences. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier keystroke, there are options available to cater to individual preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3 mm. This means that the Crystal has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Red Panda. The Crystal's 4.0mm travel distance is a more traditional option, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Red Panda's 3.3mm travel distance offers a shallower experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Red Panda's shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer the more substantial feel provided by the Crystal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness and key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.40. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Crystal and Red Panda.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a unique acoustic experience. These switches have a chirpy sound, which sets them apart from other switches. They produce a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, making them a great choice for those who prefer a sharper and less bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a thocky sound profile. This switch produces a deep and satisfying sound, akin to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a polished typing experience. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on these switches feels sleek and comfortable. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a mild typing experience. It has a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable to most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. The Red Panda switch provides a satisfying amount of tactility without being overly harsh.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch provides a chirpy sound with a high-pitched and crisp profile, while the Red Panda switch offers a thocky sound with a deep and satisfying profile. In terms of feel, the Crystal switch offers a polished and smooth typing experience, while the Red Panda switch provides a milder and more approachable feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. It is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can also affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. Overall, whether you prefer a unique linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile or a tactile switch with a bassier bottom-out sound and clackier top-out sound, both the Crystal and Red Panda switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, then the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be a good choice for you. These switches provide a fairly elastic feel and have a neutral sound profile when typing. However, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, then the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a better option. The Red Panda offers a satisfying thocky sound when pressed and released. Additionally, if you value a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the polished feel of the Crystal switch would be suitable. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle typing experience that falls in the safe, middle-ground zone, the mild feel of the Red Panda switch would be a good fit. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch depends on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel.
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